LoGiCane

Obesity is a major health problem throughout the developed world, associated with more than 30 medical conditions including hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (Kopelman, 2000; Friedman, 2000) and 60% of all deaths increasing to 75% by the year 2020 (WHO 2006, WHO 2003). The mechanisms controlling body weight in humans are complex and include genetic, physiological, and behavioral (Martinez, 2000). One of the most important factors identified in the development of obesity is high intake of energy-dense, micronutrient-poor over processed foods including white refined sugar (Swinburn, Caterson, Seidell, & James, 2004). As diet is a major modifiable risk factor, the identification of simple, cost-effective strategies for prevention and management of obesity and diabetes has become a matter of urgency (Barclay, 2008).

LoGiCane is less refined than white, raw and brown sugar and retains many on the nutrients usually washed out in processing, such as polyphenols, antioxidants, organic minerals and calcium to name a few.

Polyphenols are a large class of plant metabolites characterized by aromatic rings and hydroxy groups, with powerful antioxidant properties and numerous potential health benefits (Kao, Chang, Lee, & Chen, 2006; Manach, Scalbert, Morand, Remesy, & Jimenez, 2004; Williamson & Manach, 2005). Sugar cane contains a unique mix of antioxidant polyphenols such as phenolic acids of two classes, hydroxycinnamic acids (e.g., caffeic, ferulic and chlorogenic acids) and benzoic acids (e.g., protocatechuic and hydroxybenzoic acids). Modern agricultural practices and sugar refining have been reported to reduce most of the phytochemicals, minerals and polyphenols (Kalt, 2005; Asami, 2003). For this reason some nutritionists suggest refined sugar is a “hollow nutrient”. If increasing dietary consumption of polyphenols can reduce risk of serious chronic diseases, it seems obvious that retention of these valuable compounds in sugar should be explored.

As evidence of GI reduction and anti-obesity properties with consumption of sugar cane polyphenols is rare, we investigated this proposition including mechanism of action. When carefully retained in sugar during processing, doses of 25-40 mg/100g consistently reduce GI from 65-70 to below 55 in humans. Inclusion of higher doses of sugarcane polyphenols (200 & 400 mg/100g) in a high-fat diet of C57BL mice decreased body weight gain over a 10 week period. Animals consuming sugar cane polyphenols weighed less and had less body fat. The decrease in fat mass was associated with reduced leptin which had no change in adiponectin or free fatty acid levels in the blood of test mice.

Faecal energy content was higher in sugar cane polyphenol fed mice suggesting that a reduction in digestion and absorption of fat was involved. As treatment of obesity, diabetes and reduction of GI by increasing the intakes of sugar cane polyphenols in the diet seems warranted, Horizon Science has developed the world’s first low GI sugar. This all natural sugar helps to maintain a healthier blood sugar level which is beneficial to the general population. 

We need to lower the average GI of the Australian diet from 57 to 45 to achieve the public health benefits related to decreasing common lifestyle disease risk such as Type 2 Diabetes.

We need to provide lower GI choices in all major categories of glycemic carbohydrate e.g. bread, breakfast cereals and baked goods. Sugar and sugar-containing foods are surprisingly one of the top 5 contributors of glycemic carbohydrate, so it is important to provide a healthier choice to assist in lowering the average GI of the diet.

LoGiCane (low GI Sugar) comparison versus White Sugar

LoGiCane has a GI of 50 based on independent testing by SUGIRS (Sydney University Glycemic Index Research Service) and is certified by the Glycemic Index Foundation (GIF).

LoGiCane supports the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Dietary Guidelines where sugars are advised to be eaten in moderation.

Low GI diets have been shown to improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). However, they also have benefits for weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. A low GI diet is suitable for all of the family.