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Now, fruit juice producer LiquiFruit has become the first fruit juice range to introduce ‘glycaemic index’ (GI) labelling on each pack of all 13 of its flavours. This index is a numerical measure from 1 to 100, indicating the effect of carbohydrate foods on blood glucose levels. Food with a low GI releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream and does not overstimulate the pancreas to produce excess insulin.

"Diabetics are constantly advised to keep their blood glucose levels as even as possible and the GI provides them with a greater flexibility of food choices," says LiquiFruit marketing manager Peta Friedman.

Liesbet Delport, registered dietician and general manager of the Glycaemic Index Foundation of SA (Gifsa) says there are presently about two million diabetics in the country with another estimated one million undiagnosed diabetics.

"International studies have proved that all carbohydrate foods were not created equal. Some foods can raise blood sugar levels much higher and faster than other foods, whilst other traditionally taboo foods do not have the unfavourable effects on blood sugar as previously believed," she says.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently said all consumers should stick to a diet that consists of 50% carbohydrates based on low GI foods. A low GI food releases glucose slowly into the bloodstream and does not overstimulate the pancreas to produce excess insulin. In contrast, a high GI food can be compared with an energy drink which causes a sudden large increase in blood glucose levels.

This usually leads to prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetics and reactive low blood sugar levels in low blood sugar sufferers.

Good for slimmers too

Scientific tests on the entire LiquiFruit range were conducted by GIFSA which classify the various fruit juices according to Low GI, Intermediate GI and High GI categories.

LiquiFruit products with a Low GI (55 or below) include Mango & Orange, Passion Power, Peach & Orange, Tangerine Teaser and Apple. Those with an Intermediate GI (from 56 to 69) include Berry Blaze, Breakfast Punch, Summer Pine, Litchi, Cranberry Cooler, Red Grape, Orange and Apricot. None of the LiquiFruit flavours fall into the High GI category.

"Low GI fruit juices are suitable for health-conscious consumers, slimmers, diabetics, hypoglycaemics, and sufferers of heart disease and cancer, when not exercising and before exercise. Intermediate GI fruit juices are ideal for diabetics and hypoglycaemics, after exercise lasting at least one hour," says Ms Delport. - (Health24)

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