The glycemic index (GI) is a measurement used to determine the effect that a meal has on blood sugar levels after consumption.
It describes the blood glucose response after consuming carbohydrates. It was coined in the early 1980s by Dr. David Jenkins, a Canadian professor.
Food containing carbohydrates affects the blood sugar levels in the human body.
This is because when carbohydrates are being consumed, the digestive system breaks them down to simple sugars.
Carbohydrates are found in bread, vegetables, cereals, fruits, and dairy products.
There are three levels of glycemic index which are; low (55 or below), medium (56 to 70), and high (above 70).
Foods with a low glycemic index are foods that contain a low level of carbohydrates and have minimal effect on blood sugar levels.
They are digested and absorbed slowly, causing a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels.
However, in this article, we will discuss Nigerian foods with low glycemic index.
Below are some common foods in Nigeria that have a low glycemic index.
1. Akara
Health Benefits of Akara
Akara is a local Nigerian snack made from beans, which is one of the Nigerian foods with low glycemic index.
Research by Olabisi Akinlua of Olabisi Akinlua Food Technology Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, showed that Akara had a GI of 44.
2. Cashew nuts
Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts are one of the many healthy nuts in Nigeria.
It is the edible nut gotten from the cashew tree. This nut has an incredibly low glycemic index of 24.
3. Fio Fio (Pigeon Peas)
Health Benefits of Fio fio
Pigeon Peas are a common legume eaten in many parts of the world.
In Nigeria, it are known as fio fio and is used to prepare delicious meals. Pigeon pea or fio fio has low glycemic index of 30.99.
4. Acha (Fonio)
Health Benefits Of Acha
Fonio (Digitaria exilis) is a popular grain of the millet family that is called Acha in Nigeria.
