continued...

And according to the authors of a 2002 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "sufficient, positive findings have emerged to suggest that the dietary glycemic index is of potential importance in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases."

However, bear in mind that carbohydrates are the body's primary source of fuel. That's undeniable. Sometimes, you need a rush of energy - in the form of a high-GI food - to give you that extra boost. Think of the athlete who requires not only sustained, low-GI-derived energy to compete, but also the occasional high-GI burst of energy (energy bar, sports drink, etc.). During a performance activity, low-GI foods won't break down quickly enough to provide immediate energy to hard-working muscles.

The Bottom Line: Healthy eating requires consideration of much more than just high- and low-GI/GL foods - but the underlying premise is important: providing balanced, sustained nutrition that the body can utilize effectively to generate energy, build muscle, repair tissue, fight infection and perform a host of other vital functions.

Peter W. Crownfield is the executive editor of To Your Health. Direct all comments and questions to .