It’s no surprise that sugar has many sneaky aliases lurking in an array of foods, even ones you wouldn’t think are full of the sweet stuff, such as spaghetti sauce or salad dressing. One such example of a sugar substitute is maltodextrin, which is a starch made from multiple sugars. The glycemic index (GI) in maltodextrin is actually higher than in table sugar!
5 Reasons to Avoid High GI Foods
1. Rapid spike in blood sugar levels
Maltodextrin (including organic maltodextrin) is a type of carbohydrate quickly broken down in the body, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This spike may lead to temporary energy, but a sugar crash often follows it, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic. High GI foods can also have a similar effect on blood sugar levels.
2. Increased risk of diabetes
Consistently consuming high glycemic index foods can lead to insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in our body become resistant to insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.
3. Weight gain
It’s not surprising that eating foods with a high GI can cause weight gain. That’s because they increase insulin levels, which can lead to more fat stored in the body. Maltodextrin, in particular, can lead to weight gain, as it is often present in processed foods, such as breakfast cereals and sweet snacks, which are high in calories.
4. Low nutritional value
Maltodextrin and other high glycemic index foods are often low in nutritional value, so they provide little to no essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that our body needs to function optimally. A diet high in these types of foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can cause several health problems.
5. Increased inflammation
Consistently consuming high GI foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which has been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Get Your Health Back on Track Today
Avoiding maltodextrin and other high glycemic index foods can help improve your overall health and well-being. Instead, opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide your body with the necessary nutrients to function at its best.
Whether you want to tweak or overhaul your diet, the practitioners at The Wellness Connection want to help you achieve your goals. We offer both functional medicine and nutrition counseling.
Call (636) 978-0970 today to book an in-person or virtual consultation!