Foods that are low on the glycemic index raise blood glucose levels slowly. Choosing foods that fall lower on the scale can help control health conditions like hypoglycemia, diabetes and high cholesterol, reports the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. Foods with a rating of 55 or lower are considered low glycemic foods. Some of them are available frozen for convenience, making it simpler to incorporate them into a healthy diet.
Fruit
According to Oregon State University, a diet that includes plenty of fruit helps lower the total glycemic load. Many fruits come frozen at supermarkets and create healthy meals and snacks once thawed. Cherries and plums have the lowest glycemic count and make a good topping for oatmeal, which is low on the glycemic index as well. Cherries have a glycemic count of 25, while plums weigh in at 24, reports the University of Sydney. Strawberries and peaches are others that rank low in the scale and, when combined, make a smoothie for a healthy and low glycemic breakfast. Peaches get a 28 on the glycemic index, while strawberries get a ranking of 40. Frozen fruit is usually located near the breakfast items or frozen vegetables at the grocery store and keeps longer than fresh fruit.
Meat
Not all meats fall into a low rating on the glycemic scale, but many that do are available frozen so you can use them to create meals that support good health. Many supermarkets sell frozen meat, but some allow it to thaw before they put it out on display. You can refreeze it after purchase so it stays fresh until you are ready to prepare and serve it. BecomeHealthyNowrecommends white fish like trout, tuna and cod; chicken; turkey; and cornish game hens, all of which fall under 50 on the glycemic index. Using lean meats in a diet that aims to control glycemic load can help reduce your risk of diabetes and control cholesterol readings and lower triglyceride counts. They are also beneficial for people who overeat, according to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics.
Vegetables
There is a lot of variety at most grocery stores when it comes to finding frozen vegetables. Most nonstarchy vegetables are low on the glycemic index, says the American Diabetes Association. Peas and corn are good choices and are inexpensive and readily available. According to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, corn gets a rating of 55 on the glycemic index and peas get a 48. At 49, carrots are another good choice when it comes to low glycemic frozen vegetables. In addition to controlling glycemic load, a diet high in vegetables helps you get adequate fiber and vitamins in your diet, which contributes to good health.
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