¡GI Caramba! Blue tortillas may help dieters and diabetics

The glycæmic index (GI) ranks carbohydrates according to their effects on blood glucose levels. Foods with a lower GI are considered healthier as they slowly release sugar into the bloodstream. This reduces fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels, helping to maintain a steady supply of energy. Low GI foods are said to have long-term health benefits, reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as aiding and maintaining weight loss.

Juscelino Tovar, an author of the study, said that one important benefit of the lower GI blue tortillas is their potential role in preventing or controlling metabolic syndrome, a combination of disorders which increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

NB The blue colouring is due to the presence of anthocyanins in the corn. These are the same health promoting compounds found purple berries and red wine.

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