Today, people are more conscious about what they consume than ever, which has become the reason for the creation of healthier substitutes. Bread is consumed everywhere in every course of the meal, and every variety of bread has its own recipe and benefits. Commercial bread available in the markets has a high GI index which is not suitable for diabetics or patients with high cholesterol levels; therefore, a few years back, bakers came up with its nutritious alternative, ‘low GI bread’.  This blog will tell you all you need to know about GI bread and the reasons why it is more nutritious and healthier choice for you.

The term “Glycemic Index,” or “GI,” indicates the effect of a particular food on your blood sugar level. Food items with a high GI have a tendency to spike your blood sugar levels quickly. Whilst foods with a low Gi will do it more gradually, they are considered a healthier option. Factors that impact food’s Glycemic Index include carbohydrates, chemical structure, cooking method, and amount of fibre, protein, and fats.

Generally, food items are classified into three categories of Glycemic Index, namely:

1. Low GI: less than 55

Food such as fish, milk, natural yoghurt, and low-sugar fruits such as oranges, pulses and beans have low GI.

2. Medium GI: 56-69

Food items like rye bread or bran cereal have medium GI.

3. High GI: greater than 70

This includes white and whole wheat bread, white rice, potatoes etc.

Why should you start eating GI bread? Low GI bread is known to be best for people with diabetes and high cholesterol. Moreover, it also offers many health benefits and is known to be healthier than white bread. Some health benefits GI bread offers are:

Low GI bread, as the name suggests, has a low Glycemic Index, so it does not immediately increase your blood sugar level. Moreover, unlike other bread, GI bread is free from cholesterol and contains polyunsaturated fats to protect your heart. Therefore by eating bread with low GI, you are doing your heart a favour and keeping yourself safe from diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, and obesity.

Low GI bread does not digest immediately; it gradually releases energy, making you feel full for a longer time by consuming fewer calories. GI bread is very helpful in maintaining a diet, and it also helps you minimise hunger, reduce snack cravings between meals for an effective diet and prevent overeating.

Recent years have witnessed a spike in Type 2 Diabetes due to genes, excess fat, lack of physical activity, consumption of processed foods and unhealthy eating habits. Studies have shown that people who consume the wrong carbs are at higher risk of diabetes than those who eat a low GI diet. Low GI foods help you maintain your blood sugar levels and are safe for people with hyperglycaemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and diabetes type 1 and 2 because they do not abruptly raise blood sugar levels.

Cholesterol in arteries triggers an inflammatory response by your immune system. A high-fibre diet such as low GI bread helps to reduce cholesterol which results in the reduction in the inflammatory response.

Dietary fibres in GI bread aid digestion and encourage bowel movement, preventing constipation and other digestive issues.

Vegetarians can not consume all types of bread as some of the bread contain ingredients derived from animals. But GI bread is suitable for vegans as it does not contain any ingredients derived from an animal source.