Shares in Holista Colltech (ASX CODE: HCT) opened at 10c this morning (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time) but then shot up over 300%, hitting a day high of 34c, as it announced to the Australian Share Market, news, of its ground breaking, global scientific breakthrough for white bread, based products. In partnership with Swiss bakery ingredient manufacturer, Veripan, Holista Colltech, announced today, a major scientific breakthrough formula, that produces the lowest blood sugar levels from eating white bread based products.

The formula known as PANATURA GI, is a blend of patented sour dour with other patented ingredients including okra, lentils, barley and fenugreek. Initial research on its ingredients were carried out in the United Kingdom, India and

Malaysia before validation of the clinical trials was undertaken at the University of Western Australia as part of the commercialization of the project.

Why is this a game changer ?  Holista Colltech says it dramatically reduces the GI index for all white bread based flour foods including sandwich bread, biscuits, pizzas and muffins.

The scientific study confirms that white bread mixed with Holista’s proprietary GI Lite formula (extracts of okra also known as ladies’ fingers) dhal / lentils, barley and fenugreek) and Veripan’s natural sourdough PANATURA® achieved a Glycemic Index (GI) reading of 53, the lowest level ever achieved worldwide in a clean label white bread.

How will this be beneficial ?  The company states public health experts have long commented on a sharp rise in consumption of products made from white flour, is leading to a potential health epidemic problem known as “metabolic syndrome”, which is characterized by obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Foods with a high GI score contain rapidly digested carbohydrates that trigger a large and rapid rise in the level of blood glucose, and subsequently, of insulin levels.  Experts accept peaks in insulin are directly related to obesity, Type 2 diabetes and increased risk of heart disease.

In contrast, low GI foods contain slowly digested carbohydrates which produce a gradual, relatively low rise in the level of blood glucose.

Holista Chairman and Ceo, Dr. Rajen. Marnicka, said: “This is a major breakthrough in food science amidst rising concerns of rising blood sugar levels due to consumption of processed foods including bread, pizzas and noodles. Consumers of flour products can now make healthier choices that do not compromise on taste or quality.”

Veripan Chairman, Mr. Meiert J.Grootes, said “This is the best thing since sliced bread.  It will create significant opportunities for the global food industry, in particular for healthy and clean label bakery products.  With Holista’s expertise and our business networks, we intend to make available this revolutionary ingredient to food manufacturers around the world.”

Holista and Veripan will jointly distribute the PANATURA® GI which will allow the launch of the world’s first clean – label low GI White Bread.

Australia will be targeted first followed by Europe, North America, China, India and the rest of Asia.  The global white bread market is worth USD $170 Billion.  PANATURA® GI will only incur a marginal increase to the cost of production and the ingredients will comprise approximately 5 -7% of the total flour mix.

At the end of trading on Australian Stock Exhabge, Holista Colltech (ASX CODE: HCT) shares closed at 21.5 cents, up 168.75% for the day.