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Natunola Receives New Grant for its Low Glycemic Index Maple Syrup Project

^{Published on 2011-05-27 08:16:01 - Market Wire}
 

WINCHESTER, ON, May 27, 2011 /CNW/ - Natunola Health Biosciences Inc. (TSX-V:NHI) ("Natunola")  is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary Natunola Health Inc. received a new grant from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair ("OMAFRA") under the Rural Economic Development program for a maximum of $312,250 for its low glycemic index maple project. The project will implement the commercialization process of new low glycemic index maple product. The product will be a first of its kind offering in maple syrup products for consumers.

The product is aimed at diabetic and health conscious consumers and seeks to build demand and new markets for Ontario produced maple syrup. The new low glycemic maple product will be targeted for domestic and export market such as US, Japan and Europe.

Natunola is collaborating with the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC") and the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus Agroforestry Education and Research Center ("Kemptville Center") and Maple Ridge Farm on this project. NRC scientists and Natunola scientists have developed a patent pending process to convert sucrose within maple syrup to isomaltulose, a low glycemic index sweetener currently being utilized in low calorie beverages and food.

"The current trends in obesity will certainly increase the number of the diabetic population worldwide.  Thus, a new source of natural sweetener such as isomaltulose will let the diabetic consumers and consumers in general that require control of their sugar intake enjoy their daily meal and life", said Dr. Nam Fong Han, President & CEO of Natunola. Adding, "Ultimately, Canadians will benefit by having low glycemic index maple products that are healthy and taste good".

There are approximately 30 million people in US and about 2.2 million Canadians with diabetes who have to avoid foods with a high glycemic index, including maple syrup. Thus, maple products with a low glycemic index (GI < 56) which contain isomaltulose and that can be produced directly or indirectly from the existing maple sap or maple syrup have great market potential.

"We are confident that with the grant from OMAFRA and with the successful launch of the new low glycemic index maple product in near future, it will bring a positive impact to the Ontario economic and will also bring great return to Natunola's shareholders", said Dr. Nam Fong Han, President & CEO of Natunola.

About the Company:

Natunola and its manufacturing plant are located in Winchester, Ontario. Natunola  is a manufacturer and researcher in the field of flax seed derived omega -3 fatty acids, flax protein, flax lignans, specialty natural products, bio-nutrients and functional supplements for human and animal care markets. Natunola also produces canola oil gels and other natural ingredients for the cosmetic and personal care industry. Natunola has a retail health product line under the brand name of Natunola® health's delight. Natunola was the winner for the National Canadian Agri-Food Award of Excellence for Innovation for the year 2008.

Some of the statements contained in the release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

The views expressed in this press release are the views of the Company and do not necessary reflect those of OMAFRA.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.