The Biocentury Diet

The Biocentury Diet
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If you follow the Biocentury diet you are subscribing to the theory that consuming foods low on the glycemic index will help you lose weight, manage diabetes and provide other health benefits. Biocentury is a company that produces grab-and-go foods that have low glycemic index values. These are commonly referred to as low GI foods.

Identification

Biocentury manufactures dietetic foods in Barcelona, Spain and markets the foods to Spanish people. The company produces diet foods ranging from its low GI Gluceminus chocolate bar that is suitable for diabetic people to low GI snacks to meal replacements. Biocentury makes bars, shakes, cookies, cereals and other foods.

Theories/Speculation

The theory behind the foods Biocentury manufactures is that when you consume foods with a low GI, your body digests them more slowly than those with a high GI. This means there's a slower trickle of glucose into your bloodstream, resulting in less of a change in your blood sugar and insulin levels. According to the University of Sydney, this means low GI diets are helpful for losing weight and keeping that weight off. Insulin helps regulate your blood sugar levels, but it's also your fat storage hormone. Insulin takes extra glucose that your body does not use and transports that glucose into fat storage, which is why you want to avoid rapidly spiking your glucose and insulin levels.

Features

If you utilize the theory behind Biocentury's foods, you can either consume foods solely made by this company or incorporate the foods into a low GI diet that includes other low GI foods such as vegetables and whole grains. Foods that have a score of 55 or less on the GI are considered low GI foods. Foods that have a score of 70 or higher are defined as high GI foods, according to Harvard Medical School. Whole grains, for example, are a lower GI food than refined grains because it takes your body longer to digest them.

Function

When you eat mainly low GI carbs their steady trickle of glucose into your bloodstream helps you feel fuller for longer between meals and reduces cravings. This steady trickle also keeps your energy levels balanced and can prolong physical endurance, according to the University of Sydney. Eating low GI carbs after exercise helps you refuel your glycogen stores as well. This is the glucose stored in your muscles for energy.

Benefits

Low glycemic foods such as those made by Biocentury may have several health benefits aside from helping you lose weight, according to the University of Sydney. Eating low GI foods helps you manage diabetes and increases your body's sensitivity to insulin. They also cut your risk for heart disease, help improve blood cholesterol levels, and help you manage symptoms of polycystic ovary disease.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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