# Health Score, Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load

## Health Score

Health Scores are calculated on a 1-10 scale based on nutrient density and USDA recommendations for a healthy diet. A higher Health Score means healthier food. The value is based on the impact of macronutrients and micronutrients in the recipe

## Glycemic Index (GI)

This is the relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with a low GI value (55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolized and cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose. Higher values are foods that cause a more rapid rise in blood sugar. There are three classifications:

* Low (55 or less)
* Moderate (56 – 69)
* High (70 or more)

## Glycemic Load (GL)

Glycemic Load combines the quantity and quality (GI) of carbohydrates providing a way to compare blood glucose values of different types and amounts of foods. Blood glucose levels rise and fall when you eat a meal containing carbohydrates. How high it rises and how long it stays high depends on GL. There are three classifications for GL: Low (10 or less), Moderate (11 – 19), and High (20 or more). The formula for calculating the GL is: Glycemic Load = GI x Carbohydrate (g) content per portion ÷ 100.