Contents:

Know What GI Means

GI or Glycaemic Index refers to a number (between 1 and 100) given to a carbohydrate-containing food, depending on how much it spikes your blood sugar levels. The lower the number, the longer it takes to increase your blood sugar levels.

The index ranges from 1 to 100 and is divided as follows:

• 55 or less: Low GI foods
• Between 56 and 69: Medium GI foods
• 70 or higher: High GI foods
   

How does a Low Glycemic Index Diet help in PCOS?

Due to the hormonal imbalances in PCOS, it becomes important to manage your diet and other lifestyle habits to stay on a healthy PCOS journey. Insulin resistance is a crucial player in driving the symptoms of PCOS. 

In insulin resistance, your body cells are unable to use the glucose (sugars) you intake from the carbs you consume, to produce energy. This further stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin for stabilising your blood sugar levels.

Excessive insulin in your blood can increase the production of androgens (male hormones) in your body causing various complications. This can also affect your other PCOS symptoms and result in an imbalance.

There is a possible increased insulin resistance in PCOS which may aggravate the symptoms of PCOS. Experts suggest that insulin resistance and excess insulin in your blood may increase the production of androgens in the body, causing difficulties in ovulation and other symptoms of PCOS.

Multiple studies have suggested that foods with low glycemic index compared to high GI foods may help reduce insulin resistance and insulin levels in the blood. This can help reduce the symptoms and the risk of developing further PCOS-related complications.

Low GI Foods List for PCOS

Low GI foods for PCOS are foods that can help you manage your PCOS symptoms better. Some of the low GI foods you can include in a conventional healthy diet can be:
 

1. Low GI Fruits for PCOS

It is important to note that most fruits contain two types of sugars, glucose and fructose. Only glucose is capable of raising your blood sugar levels significantly and insulin metabolises it. 

Fruits are an important part of a balanced diet and low GI fruits are a win-win for PCOS, as they do not cause a quick and high rise in blood sugar levels.

Some of the most common low GI fruits include:
 

2. Low GI Vegetables for PCOS

Starchy vegetables can cause your blood sugar levels to spike in PCOS due to increased insulin resistance. Having more non-starchy and low-carbohydrate vegetables in your diet can provide you with the essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, without compromising your blood sugar levels. 

Low-carbohydrate vegetables generally have a glycemic index GI of 55 or lower.

Some of the low GI vegetables that can be ideal for your PCOS diet include:
 

3. Other Foods

Other foods that are low in GI score are the following:
 

Are There Some Homely Low GI Recipes for PCOS?

Yes, of course. Some of the easiest recipes that can be prepared at home are as follows. 
 

Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Sliced or chopped fruits of choice (apple, banana, berries, kiwi, etc.)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

 Instructions:

• Add the ground flax seeds, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon into a clear mixing bowl. Mix them together.
• Transfer the dry ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oats and almond milk. Stir everything well.
• Cook the mix for 3 to 5 minutes until it appears to have thickened. Remove from the heat.
• Serve the oatmeal warm with sliced apples as toppings.

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas (soaked, drained and boiled)
• 1 cup cucumber (cubed)
• 1 small tomato (cubed)
• ¾ cup spring onions (chopped) and green veggies
• ½ cup mint leaves (chopped)
• ½ cup coriander leaves (chopped)
• Salt as per taste

 Instructions:

• Blend the mint leaves, coriander leaves and salt as per taste to obtain a smooth paste. Add a little water if required.
• Combine the dressing with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss it well.
• You can serve the salad as it is or put it in the fridge before serving.

Try these recipes and modify your diet to see the magic of low GI foods work for your PCOS. On the contrary, have you ever thought if there are any foods that can worsen your PCOS condition? 

Yes! Read our blog on foods to avoid in PCOS. Also, incorporate exercise with a healthy diet to further aid your efforts to manage your PCOS condition.