Of course, that was the 1960s which was the real beginning of the popularity of pre-prepared convenience foods. Nutrition science was more geared toward preventing beri beri than promoting health and longevity.

Nutrition science has come a long way since then and provides you new tools as the Glycemic Index (GI) and the Glycemic Load (GL)

What is the Glycemic Index (GI)? The Glycemic Index is a ranking of foods based on how they affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. Since protein and fat don't really impact blood glucose, it's really an index of the rate that carbohydrates are broken down in the gut and enter the bloodstream. The higher the GI number, the faster it goes into the blood.

Eating high GI foods triggers an insulin mechanism which causes the body to store fat. For most of us, eating a lot of high GI foods causes an increase in fat storage.

Most beans, whole grains and non-starchy vegetables have a low glycemic index; while sugars, foods made from refined flour (eg., white bread), most fruits and some root vegetables have a high GI.

The more processed, cooked or chewed a food is, the higher the GI because the gut doesn't have much to break down. Soluble fiber, like in beans slows down the release of carbohydrates in the blood. The degree of ripeness of a fruit: more ripe = higher GI. Acidic foods, like lemon juice and vinegar slow release of sugar. Salty foods increase the rate of release. Protein in a meal will lower the overall GI of the whole meal.

What is the Glycemic Load (GL)? Now, if you take a look on the web at one of the many glycemic index listings available, you will notice that carrots have a very high GI almost as much as sugar! That does seem a bit odd. Enter the concept of glycemic load index (GL).

The GL takes into account not only the type of sugar (how quickly it spikes blood sugar) but also the amount of other stuff in the food that doesn't affect blood sugar - like water and fiber. There is a mathematical calculation which I won't bore you with.

For example, a half-cup serving of carrots has a GI of 131 (very high) but since it is mostly fiber and water has only 6.2 grams of carbs. The glycemic load of that portion size is 6 (low GL). By contrast, a plain five-ounce bagel has a GI of 72 (high) and has 65 grams of carbohydrate. Its glycemic load is very high at 47.

How Is This Useful? The GL index is a recent development and is still mostly used by diabetics to balance the blood sugar release of whole meals. The GI, which was developed in the early 1980s, helps diabetics manage nutrition, but endurance athletes also use it for "Carbo Loading". It is common for athletes to use low and medium GI foods before an event and high GI foods during and after the event to fuel the muscles quickly for recovery.

The Bottom Line? Eating low on the GI is an easy way for all of us who want to keep our body efficiently using fat rather than storing it and to keep our energy levels consistent throughout the day.

If you don't want to confuse yourself with GI and GL food tables, you can adopt "Anti-Aging Fitness" nutrition plan. The "white list" is low GL/GI. The "black list" is high GL/GI and the "grey list" is medium GL/GI. Easy to remember and follow.

Happy and healthy eating!

References:

www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/diseases/glycaemic-index.htm www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA326589/h www.drmirkin.com/nutrition/9566.html www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm

Copyright (c) 2007 Ainsley Laing

Have you ever wondered which hybrid vehicles are sold the most?
Because of Toyota's advanced power and hybrid technology, it is one of the top car companies that sell the most hybrid vehicles.  Hybrid vehicles are much in demand today.  The reasons are two-fold: it saves gas and helps the environment at the same time.  Another up and coming hybrid Car Company is Lexus.
Lexus has recently unveiled two new hybrid luxury vehicle models:  RX and the GS 450h for the car owners who are looking for a hybrid alternative in a luxury sedan vehicle.  This is a luxury hybrid vehicle which delivers gas savings and helps with the environment.  This Lexus hybrid version adapted from the 2006 mid-size GS sedan.  The GS sedan was a little sportier and had some features to make it more desirable.  The hybrid version has 2 electric motors along with a 3.5 liter, 292 horsepower gasoline engine.  The gasoline engine works in line with the 2 electric motors to deliver excellent fuel savings.  Some of the standard equipment for this model includes all wheel drive, pulled back cabin with slingshot rear side windows, sportier accessories on the long and lower hood.  The vehicle also has dual exhaust outlets.
The GS 450h vehicle can produce a maximum of 339 horsepower.  This makes up a powerful, luxury dynamic of a vehicle.  This hybrid luxury vehicle has a motor that is made up of the following:  a primary generator, engine starter, controller of engine speed.  Also with all this horsepower is a gasoline engine and two electric entwines.
One of the options for this hybrid vehicle is a variable automatic transmission which provides good gas mileage.  Other options are a keyless engine starter, quieter engine and a touch screen control system that is capable of many functions.
The base MSRP for the GS 450H model is $54,900.  The base MSRP price for the RX version is $42,580.  Each of the two different models comes with varying standard equipment.  It is best to analyze the standard equipment and determine which of the optional equipment you would prefer to purchase.
There are all different types of hybrid vehicles in the marketplace now a days.  If you are looking for a hybrid luxury vehicle, be sure to test drive a Lexus model.