Cookie, Brownie, with Icing or Filling: A Glycemic Index Guide
When it comes to sweet treats, brownies with icing or filling are among the most tempting options. While they’re delicious, understanding their impact on blood sugar levels is important for those monitoring their glycemic intake. Let’s dive into the glycemic profile and nutritional breakdown of this popular dessert.
Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
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The brownie cookie with icing or filling has a Glycemic Index (GI) of 51, placing it in the moderate GI category. Foods with a GI between 50-69 are considered to have a medium impact on blood sugar levels.
However, what’s more significant is its Glycemic Load (GL) of 31.67. This relatively high GL indicates that despite its moderate GI, the substantial carbohydrate content means it can still cause a significant blood sugar response when consumed in typical portions.
Nutritional Breakdown per 100g Serving
- Calories: 401 kcal
- Protein: 2.94g
- Fat: 17g
- Total Carbohydrates: 63.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugars: 47.2g
- Net Carbs: 62.1g
Health Implications
The nutritional profile of brownie cookies with icing reveals some important considerations:
High Sugar Content: With 47.2g of sugar per 100g serving, this dessert contains nearly 12 teaspoons of sugar. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men.
Low Fiber: At just 1.5g of fiber per serving, this treat doesn’t offer much in terms of the digestive benefits that fiber provides, which would typically help slow sugar absorption.
Net Carbs: The high net carb count of 62.1g makes this food challenging for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Who Should Be Cautious?
- People with diabetes or insulin resistance
- Individuals following low-carb dietary approaches
- Those monitoring weight or trying to reduce sugar intake
- People with blood sugar management concerns
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re craving something sweet but want to make a lower-glycemic choice, consider:
- Dark chocolate (70% or higher cacao) – GI around 23
- Homemade brownies with almond flour and sugar substitutes
- Fresh berries with a small amount of whipped cream
- Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and nuts
Bottom Line
While brownie cookies with icing can certainly be enjoyed as an occasional treat, their moderate GI but high GL and sugar content make them an item to consume in moderation, especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels. As with most sweet treats, portion control is key – perhaps enjoying half a serving alongside a protein source to help mitigate the blood sugar impact.
Remember that individual responses to foods can vary based on factors like overall meal composition, time of day, and personal metabolism.