What is the glycemic index?

The glycemic index is primarily a measure of how quickly specific foods raise blood glucose levels after consumption. It ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on their immediate effect on blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose. Foods with a high glycemic index are rapidly digested and absorbed, leading to swift increases in blood sugar, while those with a low glycemic index result in a slower, more gradual rise. Understanding the glycemic index helps individuals make informed dietary choices, particularly for managing blood sugar levels in conditions like diabetes or for maintaining energy levels throughout the day.

The other options relate to different aspects of nutrition but do not define the glycemic index. For example, food variety pertains to dietary diversity, protein quality relates to the amino acid profile of foods, and fat content is about the types and amounts of fats present in food, none of which capture the essence of how foods impact blood glucose levels.