低GI食品受追捧，是健康新选还是消费陷阱？

Core Viewpoint - The low GI (glycemic index) food market is gaining popularity as consumers seek healthier dietary options, but there are misconceptions about what low GI foods actually entail [2][4]. Group 1: Market Trends - Low GI foods are defined as those with a GI value below 55, which are digested more slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels [2]. - The market for low GI foods is expanding, with products like low GI biscuits, toast, and nuts prominently displayed in supermarkets and marketed on e-commerce platforms [2]. - Consumers are increasingly purchasing low GI foods for health reasons, despite their higher prices, as seen in personal testimonials [2]. Group 2: Consumer Misconceptions - Many consumers mistakenly believe that low GI foods are "sugar-lowering foods" and that they can consume them in unlimited quantities without affecting blood sugar levels [4]. - There is a common misconception that low GI equates to low calorie, leading consumers to think that eating low GI foods will prevent weight gain [4]. - Experts warn that the GI value of a food can be influenced by various factors, and simply looking for a "low GI" label is not a scientifically sound approach [4]. Group 3: Certification and Standards - The current certification system for low GI foods in China is primarily voluntary, lacking mandatory requirements [5]. - There is no unified design standard for labeling low GI products, leading to inconsistencies across different organizations [5]. - The National Health Commission has issued guidelines for measuring GI values, but compliance among companies may vary [4][5]. Group 4: Nutritional Balance - Experts emphasize that while GI values are important, a healthy diet should focus on overall nutritional balance rather than fixating on a single label [6][7]. - Consumers are advised to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid products with added sugars and high fat content, even if they are labeled as low GI [7]. - Proper dietary combinations, such as pairing low GI foods with proteins and dietary fibers, can enhance blood sugar management [7].