Xylitol is the name for a naturally occurring sugar polyol which is made mainly from the fibers of corn husks or the bark from a birch tree.
However, Xylitol can also be derived from beets, oats, some mushrooms and certain fruits and vegetables as well.
Xylitol is uniquely different than other sugars because it is a 5 carbon molecule instead of a 6 carbon molecule like most other sugars.
This small but important difference is the key to it's benefits as a food ingredient and it's use in the medical and dental fields.
Our bodies actually produce up to 15 grams per day of xylitol as a part of the normal metabolism process.
What is Xylitol's History? Xylitol was first manufactured by a German chemist in 1891.
It was further developed and purified by the 1930s.
It became useful during WWII as Finland searched for an alternative to the sugar shortage.
By the 1960's Xylitol became the sweetener of choice in Germany, Switzerland, Soviet Union and Japan.
Xylitol was not really known or used in the US and Australia at that time.
Most likely due to the cheap and abundant supply of cane sugar making Xylitol less economically viable.
But the US finally got on board.
In 1963 the FDA approved Xylitol for use in unlimited quantities in food and listed it as having no known toxic levels in human consumption.
Are There Xylitol Side Effects? The only minor concern is that sensitive people may need to start slowly.
I personally didn't have a problem, but for some people, taking in too much Xylitol too quickly can result in mild diarrhea or slight cramping.
But once your enzymatic activity adjusts to the higher intake levels, the discomfort usually disappears.
So just to be sure, start slowly at first.
Is Xylitol Safe? Yes, the FDA has stated that Xylitol is safe for human consumption in unlimited quantities.
The only danger is the issue of Xylitol and dogs.
Don't let your dog ingest Xylitol as it may cause a sudden and potentially fatal drop in canine blood sugar! What are Xylitol's Health Benefits?
It's a delicious, low-calorie sweetener that has all the sweetness of table sugar, yet has 40% fewer calories and 0g of sugar.
Xylitol is an ideal alternative sweetener in foods prepared for weight loss or for anyone concerned about the overuse of sugar in their diet.
I put Xylitol in my sugar bowl and use it in place of sugar on food like fruit and cereal and in coffee.
Since it measures and pours just like sugar, I use it in my cooking as well.
It converts very well in all recipes.
The only exception is that you can't use it when making bread as it will not activate the yeast.
Also, it won't caramelize and crystallize when making candy etc.
Using Xylitol in place of sugar can be an effective way to cut calories and reduce the insulin spike when you want to enjoy something sweet.
Making healthy choices like switching to Xylitol can be very helpful if you are trying to lose weight but can't give up your occasional sweets.
We are consuming too much sugar and I believe Xylitol can be the answer to many of our country's health problems.
While it's not very well known, it is starting to be used in gum, candy, toothpaste, mouthwash and other products.
However, Xylitol can also be derived from beets, oats, some mushrooms and certain fruits and vegetables as well.
Xylitol is uniquely different than other sugars because it is a 5 carbon molecule instead of a 6 carbon molecule like most other sugars.
This small but important difference is the key to it's benefits as a food ingredient and it's use in the medical and dental fields.
Our bodies actually produce up to 15 grams per day of xylitol as a part of the normal metabolism process.
What is Xylitol's History? Xylitol was first manufactured by a German chemist in 1891.
It was further developed and purified by the 1930s.
It became useful during WWII as Finland searched for an alternative to the sugar shortage.
By the 1960's Xylitol became the sweetener of choice in Germany, Switzerland, Soviet Union and Japan.
Xylitol was not really known or used in the US and Australia at that time.
Most likely due to the cheap and abundant supply of cane sugar making Xylitol less economically viable.
But the US finally got on board.
In 1963 the FDA approved Xylitol for use in unlimited quantities in food and listed it as having no known toxic levels in human consumption.
Are There Xylitol Side Effects? The only minor concern is that sensitive people may need to start slowly.
I personally didn't have a problem, but for some people, taking in too much Xylitol too quickly can result in mild diarrhea or slight cramping.
But once your enzymatic activity adjusts to the higher intake levels, the discomfort usually disappears.
So just to be sure, start slowly at first.
Is Xylitol Safe? Yes, the FDA has stated that Xylitol is safe for human consumption in unlimited quantities.
The only danger is the issue of Xylitol and dogs.
Don't let your dog ingest Xylitol as it may cause a sudden and potentially fatal drop in canine blood sugar! What are Xylitol's Health Benefits?
- It's naturally sweet with no strange aftertaste
- Looks & tastes like sugar
- 40% fewer calories & 75% less carbs than sugar
- Glycemic index of Xylitol is 7, sugar at 60-65
- Safe for diabetics (no negligible insulin change because it's absorbed slowly
- Inhibits growth of bacteria that causes middle ear infections in young children
- Studies in Finland show it may help in reversing bone loss
- Reduces insulin resistance caused by over consumption of sugar (insulin resistance is a key factor in diabetes, cholesterol & triglyceride levels, hypertension and increased risk of heart disease)
- non cario-genic (doesn't cause cavities)
- Reduces cavities by 80%
- Significant long-term reduction in cavities (88-93%)
- Reduces dental plaque formation by making plaque less adhesive
- Raises pH level in mouth lower acidic pH encourages bacterial growth)
- Stimulates saliva flow
- Promotes calcium and phosphate
- Promotes enamel re-mineralization
- Reduces gum tissue inflammation
- Helps with dry mouth and bad breath
It's a delicious, low-calorie sweetener that has all the sweetness of table sugar, yet has 40% fewer calories and 0g of sugar.
Xylitol is an ideal alternative sweetener in foods prepared for weight loss or for anyone concerned about the overuse of sugar in their diet.
I put Xylitol in my sugar bowl and use it in place of sugar on food like fruit and cereal and in coffee.
Since it measures and pours just like sugar, I use it in my cooking as well.
It converts very well in all recipes.
The only exception is that you can't use it when making bread as it will not activate the yeast.
Also, it won't caramelize and crystallize when making candy etc.
Using Xylitol in place of sugar can be an effective way to cut calories and reduce the insulin spike when you want to enjoy something sweet.
Making healthy choices like switching to Xylitol can be very helpful if you are trying to lose weight but can't give up your occasional sweets.
We are consuming too much sugar and I believe Xylitol can be the answer to many of our country's health problems.
While it's not very well known, it is starting to be used in gum, candy, toothpaste, mouthwash and other products.
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