Test Your Glycemic Index IQ!

By Monica Nuñez

The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrates according to how they affect our blood glucose levels. Carbs rated low on the GI produce only small changes in our blood glucose and insulin levels. Carbs rated 55 and under are categorized low GI, carbs rated 56 to 69 are categorized medium GI, and carbs rated 70 and above are categorized high GI. A doughnut, for example, has a high rating of 76. And apples have a low rating of 38. GI is just one indicator for a food's nutritional profile. Just because something is ranked high or low doesn't make it good or bad. There are times when high GI foods are preferable (playing sports, for instance) and times when low GI foods are better (any time you're not active). Match the following foods with their corresponding GI ranking.

1. Dates: 103. Dates are ranked high on the GI.
2. Jelly beans: 80. Jelly beans are ranked high on the GI.
3. Angel cake: 67. Angel cake is ranked medium on the GI.
4. Orange juice: 52. Orange juice is ranked low on the GI.
5. Peanuts: 15. Peanuts are ranked low on the GI.
6. Snickers^® bar: 40. A Snickers bar is ranked low on the GI.