Despite having a high Glycemic Index (GI) of 74, what characteristic keeps the Dickinson Pumpkin's impact on stable blood sugar manageable?
Its very low Glycemic Load (GL) of 6.4
The impact of any carbohydrate source on immediate blood sugar levels is assessed not only by its Glycemic Index (GI) but also by its Glycemic Load (GL). While the Dickinson Pumpkin registers a relatively high GI score of 74, which measures how rapidly a food raises blood sugar, its GL is remarkably low, registering at only 6.4. This low GL is a direct consequence of the pumpkin’s high dietary fiber content. Fiber acts to slow down the overall rate at which the carbohydrates are digested and subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby mitigating sharp spikes in glucose. This effect is further enhanced when pumpkin is consumed alongside healthy fats or proteins, leading to a more gradual and manageable impact on blood sugar stability.
