A pan-India survey on Glycemic Index (GI) revealed that only 45 per cent of people are aware of what GI actually is and know the implications that high GI food can have. The survey was conducted in the four metros of the country and Bengaluru emerged as the most aware about GI.
“Our survey found that 50 per cent of Bangaloreans and 47 per cent of Mumbaikars were aware of GI,’’ said Dr Priyanka Rohatgi of Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru.
About 900 clinical nutritionists were also a part of the survey that was equally divided in the four metros. According to Dr Shashak Joshi, endocrinologist, Mumbaikars’ food intake comprises of the least GI value when compared to any other city in the country.
“Foods should be marked and labelled as low or high on the GI so that people can make healthy choices,’’ said Dr Joshi. Speaking on the food choices across India, he said that South Indians and people in the coastal areas ate more carbohydrates as they were hooked to rice. Picking the right food, eating small portions, and eating on time were central to good health, Dr Joshi added.