The link between acne and diet is strong. The prevalence of acne, a distressing skin condition, is very high. It is estimated that 79 to 95% of adolescents, 40 to 54% aged 25 and older. In middle age 3% of men and 12% of women 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. Insulinaemia (raised Insulin level) occur following a high carbohydrate intake. Insulinaemia is an important part of acne in general because it affects androgenic hormones and growth factor.
A study conducted by Dr. Robin. N. Smith and colleagues 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 randomised controlled trial was the first to examine what effects glycaemic load had 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.”
Foods with low Glycemic Index are rich in complex carbohydrates. As a result, glucose is released slowly. If sugar is slowly released into the blood, the Insulin demand is less. Circulating blood sugar is controlled by Insulin. It also affects sex and growth hormones.
To assess the Glycemic Index of foods, the blood sugar level is monitored after that food is eaten.
Low Glycemic Index (LGI): 55 and lower.
Medium Glycemic Index (MGI): 56 to 69.
High Glycemic Index (HGI): 70 +
Foods with Low Glycemic Index.
Heavy Mixed Grain 45
Whole Wheat 49
Special K (UK) 54
Natural Muesli 40
Porridge 58
All-bran (UK) 30
Oat bran 50
Rolled Oats 51
Soya and Linseed 36
Wholegrain Pumpernickel 46
Tomatoes 15
Onions 10
Raw Carrots 16
Broccoli 10
Boiled Carrots 41
Frozen Green Peas 39
Frozen Sweet Corn 47
Cabbage 10
Mushrooms 10
Lettuce 10
Green Beans 15
Red Peppers 10
Chillies 10
Cauliflower 15
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.