Glycemic efficacy is all about how different foods affect our body's blood sugar levels. When we eat food, our body breaks it down into small pieces called glucose that our cells can use for energy. The amount of glucose in our blood is called our blood sugar level.
Some foods cause our blood sugar to increase quickly and dramatically, while other foods cause a more slow and steady increase. We want to eat foods that keep our blood sugar at a healthy level instead of causing big spikes or dips. Eating foods with a low glycemic index (GI) can help us do this.
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises our blood sugar. Foods with a high GI score (over 70) rapidly raise blood sugar, while foods with a low GI score (under 55) cause a slower, more gradual rise.
If we eat a lot of high GI foods, our body may release too much insulin at one time to compensate for the rapid rise in blood sugar. This can lead to a blood sugar crash and leave us feeling hungry shortly after eating. It can also contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes over time.
On the other hand, eating low GI foods can help our body regulate blood sugar more effectively and decrease the risk of these health problems. So, we should aim to choose foods with a low GI score to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and promote overall well-being.