Get to know the Glycemic Index.  
 

A system designed to teach us about the spiking and falling of our blood sugar levels.  The higher on the Glycemic Index, the more of a a "sugar rush" we receive after consumption, as well as the greater the crash after.  Why is it important to you? Here are the facts...
 

 

- Control your cholesterol level

- Control your appetite

- Lower risk of heart disease

- Lower risk of type 2 Diabetes

- Reduces sugar crash associated with simple sugars

- Increases ability to focus for prolonged periods (helpful for exam season)

 

Glucose, or straight sugar, is used as the industry standard for a "High Glycemic Index", or effectively the greatest blood sugar spike possible.  It is listed on the scale at 100.  Foods that are low on the Glycemic Index, and reduce the sugar crash as well as providing great health benefits are generally found in the "55 and lower" category... Here are some examples:
 

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods.htm (print chart)

As you can see, peanuts, beans and whole grains score incredibly well, while white bread and corn flakes are shockingly high.
 

Heading into the 2014/15 school year at Redeemer, try to keep these values in mind.  The long term health benefits speak for themselves but in addition, they may prevent you from falling asleep in that boring 3hr night class (just talk to the students in PED 312 and PED 282!)

Until the next time!