Low Glycemic Diet and Acne.

Posted on November 14, 2009
Filed Under skin care |

The link between acne and diet is strong. This distressing condition is very common. It is estimated that 79 to 95% of adolescents, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older. 12% of women and 3% men in their middle age have acne.

The true cause of acne is unknown. The fact that there is a lower incidence of acne in non-Western countries raises the possibility of a link between acne and low carbohydrate intake. The theory is that high carbohydrate intake causes raised Insulin level (Hyperinsulinemia). Insulinaemia is an important part of acne in general because it affects androgenic hormones and growth factor.

Dr. Robin. N. Smith and colleagues, in a study, used randomised low glycemic load diet and a control diet that was rich in carbohydrates. The low glycemic load diet had 45% energy from low glycemic Index carbohydrate and 25% from protein. Included in the study were 45 male aged 15 to 24 years. The study was carried out at the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. This is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the influence the effects of glycemic load has on acne.  In the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition the published results showed that compared to the group on carbohydrate rich diet, there was significant reduction of acne in the low glycemic diet. So for acne, low Glycemic food is the Good Health Option.

Dr. Smith and his colleagues, in a press release, said, “Although we could not isolate the effect of the low glycemic load diet from that of weight loss, the findings support the hypothesis of a relationship between acne and high insulin levels.”

Food with low glycemic Index are complex carbohydrate rich. Consequently, they release glucose very slowly into the blood steam. If sugar is slowly released into the blood, the demand on Insulin is less. Insulin controls circulating blood sugar and affects growth and sex hormones.

To assess the Glycemic Index of foods, the blood sugar level is monitored after that food is eaten.

Highy Glycemic Index(HGI): 70+

Medium Glyemic Index (MGI): 56 to 69.

Low Glycemic Index (LGI); 55 and lower.

HGI (High Glycemic Index)  Foods. Pretzels 83 Rice Cakes 87 Glutinous Rice 86  Short Grain White Rice 83  Tapioca 70  Scones 92 Fresh Mashed Potatoes 73  French Fries 75  Donuts 76 Instant Mashed Potatoes 80  Watermelon 80 Dates 103 Instant White Rice 87

So Reject white bread, burgers, and French fries and eat more beans and cereals to keep those zits away or under your control.

For good health, low stress and clear skin maintain a low glycemic diet.

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