This kind of thing has been brought up on this list before, but I'd like
to resuscitate it.  

I was studying a chart in one of Dr. Cordain's reviews ("Glycemic Loads of
Western Refined and Unrefined Traditional Foods"), and it occurred to me
that the glycemic load index is only marginally helpful at best as an
indicator of insulinemic foods.  

Glycemic load is defined as glycemic index times carb content in 100 gram
portions.  Two problems leap immediately to mind.  The first has to do with
actual portion size.  And the second has to do with the fact that many
foods are not consumed alone, but with other foods that affect how quickly
the nonfiber carbs reach the bloodstream.

So for instance, highest on this list is Rice Krispies, with a glycemic
load of 77.3.  (Table sugar is 64.9).  Much lower down, amazingly, are
doughnuts at 37.8.  But 100 grams of doughnuts give you about two
doughnuts.  100 grams of Rice Krispies is three servings!  And you
generally eat the Rice Krispies with milk, which will lower the rate at
which the carbs are absorbed by the gut.

Can someone explain how this index is helpful?

Jim Swayze
www.fireholecanyon.com