What is the GI value for simple carbohydrates?

What is the GI value for simple carbohydrates?

• A. Low
• B. High
• C. Moderate
• D. Not measured

Answer: (B)

Simple carbohydrates are digested and absorbed very quickly, so they push glucose into the bloodstream fast. The glycemic index compares how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose with the rise after consuming the same amount of glucose. Foods that cause a rapid rise have high GI values. Because simple carbohydrates are broken down rapidly, they generally have a high GI, meaning they produce a quick spike in blood sugar. On the GI scale, high GI foods are those that raise blood glucose quickly, typically around 70 or more. So, the GI value for simple carbohydrates is high. (Note: there are some simple sugars, like fructose, that can behave differently, but the common pattern is that simple carbs tend to be in the high GI range.)

Simple carbohydrates are digested and absorbed very quickly, so they push glucose into the bloodstream fast. The glycemic index compares how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose with the rise after consuming the same amount of glucose. Foods that cause a rapid rise have high GI values. Because simple carbohydrates are broken down rapidly, they generally have a high GI, meaning they produce a quick spike in blood sugar. On the GI scale, high GI foods are those that raise blood glucose quickly, typically around 70 or more. So, the GI value for simple carbohydrates is high. (Note: there are some simple sugars, like fructose, that can behave differently, but the common pattern is that simple carbs tend to be in the high GI range.)