It has been shown that a very strong link exists between blood sugar levels and cardiovascular diseases and the way we are aging - both outside and inside, really depends on it. If you are concerned about whether you look young, you need to keep your blood sugar levels within the healthy range. This is a much more effective way of dealing with wrinkles on your face than the expensive anti-age creams.

Glycemic Index

Glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates, which measures their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. It compares a gram of food to a gram of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion process, have the highest glycemic index. The response of blood glucose is fast and strong. Carbohydrates that break down slowly release glucose gradually into the bloodstream, and have a low glycemic index. Try to eat as many foods with level 50 of the GI 50 as possible to keep blood sugar levels within the healthy range.

Checklist for blood sugar levels maintenance

1. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day in your food, coffee or tea. Alternatively, you can take cinnamon as a dietary supplement.

2. Use fructose instead of sugar. The glycemic index of fructose is half that of sugar, so it certainly is a healthier option.

3. Sport. Do you wonder why you feel more energetic after workout, although you spent 30 grueling minutes? This is because workouts considerably help the insulin to move the sugar from the blood into the cells where it may generate more energy. If you do not do sports, a lot of sugar can never reach the cells and remains in the bloodstream.

4. Eat dairy products at mealtimes. A large study, which involved more than 3,000 people, found that the lactose, proteins and a special type of fats contained in dairy products, can keep blood sugar levels within healthy limits by slowing down transformation of food sugar in blood sugar.

5. Sleep 8 hours at least. Recent studies suggest that when sleep is insufficient, stress interferes with the natural ability of our body to handle blood sugar.