Eating low glycemic index foods promotes a healthier body shape in individuals with coronary artery disease, according to a study presented at the recent scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology.

The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrate-containing foods according to how quickly they affect blood sugar levels. High GI foods cause a rapid increase in blood sugar and include white bread, white rice, potatoes, and sweets. Low GI foods are digested more slowly and gradually raise blood sugar; they include some fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, broccoli, and leafy greens, pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans, and whole grains such as brown rice and oats.