The glycemic index is used to rank the effect carbohydrates have on blood glucose levels in the body. Therefore, foods such as meat, fish and kipper snacks, which have no carbs, have no measurable glycemic index. That makes kipper snacks a good choice for people who are concerned about rapid changes in their blood sugar levels.
Definition
Kippers are whole herrings that have been split along their length, gutted, salted and cold smoked. Kipper snacks refer to kippers that have been precooked and can be eaten straight from the can or package. According to Webster's Online Dictionary, no one really knows where kippers originated, but they have become a popular breakfast item in the United Kingdom. In the United States, kippers are less popular and less well-known. They are sold most often as canned kipper snacks or in jars in the refrigerator section of grocery stores.
Explanation
Kipper snacks don't register on the glycemic index because they contain no carbohydrates. MayoClinic.com explains that the glycemic index is used to classify a carbohydrate-containing food's potential to raise the blood sugar level in the body. Sugary foods with a high glycemic index rating will elevate blood sugar levels faster than foods with a lower glycemic index, such as high-fiber, whole-grain food products. The index can be useful for people, such as diabetics, who need to watch their blood sugar levels. MayoClinic.com notes that the index also may be used to help control appetite and delay hunger cues.
Importance
The University of Sydney maintains a database that lists the glycemic index of hundreds of foods. It notes that eating a lot of foods that register high on the glycemic index can be harmful to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. High GI diets are especially bad for those who are overweight or those who maintain a sedentary lifestyle. If you substitute low GI foods for higher GI foods, your blood sugar levels and energy levels remain steadier. You'll also feel fuller for a longer time between meals. The University of Sydney recommends switching to high-fiber grains, reducing the amount of potatoes you eat and dining on plenty of fruits and vegetables.
