The glycemic index system of eating assists in helping you select foods based on their influence on your blood. Everything you eat gets broken down and its energy absorbed into your bloodstream. The energy your body relies on is glucose, and this is easily transferred from your digestive system and into your blood. Starchy popcorn supplies your body with a significant amount of glucose; it is considered a high glycemic food.
The Glycemic Index
The glycemic index rates this food based on a comparison of its effect on blood sugar when compared to pure glucose. Food is rated on a scale from zero to 100. According to MayoClinic.com, the food is placed into a category of low, medium or high. From zero to 55 is a low glycemic food, a rating from 56 to 69 is a moderate food and from 70 to 100 is a high glycemic food.
The GI of Popcorn
Plain, microwave-popped popcorn has a glycemic index rating of 72, states Harvard Health Publications. Popcorn is made of nothing but heated kernels of corn. Corn is basically made of starch and starchy foods can have a large impact on your blood glucose.
Influencing the Glycemic Index
You can influence and change the glycemic index of foods depending on the preparation and combination of foods you eat. When you combine a high GI food with a low GI food, it can balance out the effect on your glucose. For example, if you eat popcorn with butter, the fat and protein contained in the butter help to offset the effect of the popcorn.
Significance
The glycemic index can be useful for two reasons. If you have diabetes, the effect of a food on your glucose should be a concern to you. Diabetes is marked by the body's inability to move blood glucose from the blood and into the cells that need it. Difficulty with this can lead to a high blood glucose. Limiting food's effect on your glucose can help you control your levels. If you are trying to lose weight and control your eating the glycemic index is also useful. Keeping your glucose levels controlled can reduce hunger and keep you from overeating.
