Food ingredient specialist, Holista announced that it has developed a breakthrough noodle formula certified to have a low Glycemic Index (GI) - opening a major market for a healthier version of the staple which is vital in the global fight against diabetes and obesity.

The noodles developed by Holista Foods, recorded a GI reading of 38 in independent tests conducted by Glycemic Index Laboratories Inc in Toronto, Canada. The global average GI reading for noodles is 60.

The GI reading indicates the rate in which foods containing carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels in humans, with a lower score indicating healthier food. More than 100 million adult Americans suffer from diabetes or prediabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 11 million Canadians are living with the disease.

In addition to the low GI reading of 38, each 85 gram serving of noodles contains 11 grams of protein, three grams of fibre, zero sugar, low sodium, low cholesterol and clean label ingredients (no artificial ingredients or preservatives) and cooks in just three minutes.

The availability of low-GI noodles will provide consumers with a healthier option that does not compromise the taste and texture of the product. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit report on "Tackling obesity in ASEAN (South-East Asian Nations)", a low-GI diet was found to be the most effective among food-based interventions.

Holista, a research-driven biotechnology and food ingredients company with operations in Australia and Malaysia, said it expects to conclude the first order for its low-GI noodles by November 2017.