The link between acne and diet is strong. This distressing condition is very common. 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.

No one knows the true cause of acne. 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. The theory is that high carbohydrate intake causes raised Insulin level (Hyperinsulinemia). 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 control diet rich in carbohydrate and a low glycemic load diet. 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 is the first randomised controlled trial to examine the influence the effects of glycemic load has 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.”

Food 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. Insulin controls circulating blood sugar and affects growth and sex hormones.

To assess the Glycemic Index of foods, the blood sugar level is monitored after that food is eaten.

Highy Glycemic Index(HGI): 70+

Medium Glyemic Index (MGI): 56 to 69.

Low Glycemic Index (LGI); 55 and lower.

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 to keep those zits away and maintain healthy skin, eat more cereals and beans and reject white bread, French fries and burgers.

For good health, low stress and clear skin maintain a low glycemic diet.