Context:
Lancet paper presents persuasive data that diets with a high glycemic index (GI) are associated with a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI).
Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking system for carbohydrate-rich foods, based on their impact on blood glucose levels post-consumption. On the other hand, Glycemic Load (GL) takes into account both the quality and the amount of carbohydrates in a single serving.
The estimates for GI and GL are derived from the consumption data of seven types of carbohydrate-rich foods, gathered through food frequency questionnaires specific to each country.
Key Findings of report:
- A diet characterized by a higher Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) has been found to have a significant correlation with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- The link between a high GI and the onset of diabetes was more pronounced in individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) as compared to those with a lower BMI.
Glycemic Index (GI):
- Refers to the property of the food to increase the blood glucose level and is a measure of the ‘quality’ of carbohydrates.
- Measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels.
- Compared with Glucose or white bread (GI of glucose is taken as 100)
- Classification – Low GI (less than 55), Medium GI (56- 69) and High GI (over 70).
- Low GI Foods – Fruits, grains, lentils, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, dairy, brown rice.
- High GI Foods – Sugar, sugary drinks, white polished rice, potatoes, white bread.
Glycemic load (GL) – GI multiplied by the amount of the carbohydrate consumed.
Body Mass Index (BMI):
- A numerical measure that is used to assess an individual’s body weight relative to their height.
- Application – A screening tool to identify potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.
- Calculation Formula: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
- BMI Categories –
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal Weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or greater
- Sub divided as Class I (BMI 30-34.9), Class II (BMI 35-39.9), and Class III (BMI 40 or greater).
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast.
2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut.
3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: Probiotics live naturally in your body. L. acidophilus is a probiotic bacteria that naturally occur in the human gut. The most common place linked to beneficial microbes in your gut (mostly large intestines), but there are other places like the mouth, urinary tract, skin, lungs, etc. where these probiotics are found.
