What does the glycemic index measure?

The glycemic index specifically measures the potential of a carbohydrate-containing food to raise blood glucose levels after it is consumed. Foods are ranked on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how they compare to a reference food, usually glucose or white bread. A higher glycemic index indicates that the food causes a faster and more significant increase in blood glucose levels, which is crucial for individuals managing diabetes or looking to optimize their diet for better blood sugar control.

Understanding the glycemic index is important for lifestyle medicine as it helps in making dietary choices that can affect energy levels, metabolic health, and overall well-being. This focus on how certain foods impact blood glucose is especially relevant in managing conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar control is essential for health.

The other options do not relate to the specific function of the glycemic index. For instance, protein content, total calories, and mineral content each address different aspects of nutritional evaluation but do not directly measure the effect of foods on blood glucose levels.