Calorie ≠ Calorie, Part I

This graph illustrates how different nutrients affect blood sugar levels in the 10 hours following a meal.

It is clear that both the timing and the magnitude of the effect differ significantly.

Key Findings

Carbohydrates (pink)

This group causes the fastest and largest increase.

The peak occurs within 1-2 hours, and approximately 90% of carbohydrates are directly converted to glucose.

Proteins (yellow)

They have a more moderate and prolonged effect.

Their effect on blood sugar levels peaks after 4-5 hours, and roughly 40% of them are converted to sugar.

Fats (green)

They have the smallest and latest effect.

The peak is only visible after 8-9 hours, and only 10% of fats become glucose.

Summary

The graph highlights why we feel a quick "energy boost" after carbohydrates, followed by a subsequent drop, while proteins and fats help maintain longer-term satiety and more stable energy levels.