How can processed foods like the USANA Food products be low-glycemic?
As a general rule of thumb, highly processed foods are more likely to be high-glycemic than raw, whole foods. However, this rule is not set in stone, as it depends on the content of the foods in question. Not all processed foods are automatically high-GI, and not all natural and whole foods are low-GI. Any combination of low sugar content, low-glycemic sugars, high protein content, high fat content, and high fiber content can lead to a low glycemic index, while opposite characteristics lead to a high glycemic index. Many healthy processed foods are formulated with these rules in mind, leading to nutrient-dense, low-glycemic foods that provide an excellent replacement for unhealthy diet choices.
Additionally, it is important to remember that glycemic index is but one way to characterize the biological impact of food. Glycemic index does not take into account the overall nutritional content or value of a food. Many nutritious fruits and fruit juices have high GIs, while lard and pork rinds have a GI close to zero. It is important to take a holistic approach to assessing food choices, because any single criteria is incapable of capturing the full value (or non-value) of a particular food or beverage.
USANA‘s Nutrimeals and other food products are clinically tested to determine a glycemic index value. The glycemic index of a given product is not an estimation or mathematical calculation based on ingredients or label information. USANA‘s food products generally rate quite low on the glycemic index scale due to their healthy mix of fiber, protein, fat, and the specific types of carbohydrates used.
