Saturday, June 16, 2012

Benefits of Xylitol

Xylitol is a great sugar substitute as it consists of the same texture and sweetness as conventional table sugar. 

Xylitol was discovered in the late 1800‘s in Germany, but it wasn't until the 1940‘s that scientists used it as a sugar substitute. It has many benefits over sugar, some of these include: having fewer calories, can be used safely by those with diabeties, it's all-natural, it benefits your bones, and it of course helps to prevent tooth cavities and tooth decay.

Plain sugar has a lot of calories. There are 360 calories in a half- cup of sugar and 216 in a half-cup of Xylitol. If you are trying to lose weight, xylitol can also help reduce your calorie intake. Sugar is also proven to cause many adverse effects when consumed in excess.

Unlike sugar, Xylitol does not need insulin to break it down. Those with diabetes produce very little insulin. Although it has some similarities with sugar, Xylitol enters the bloodstream very slowly. As a result, most of it is broken down in the intestines and then passed on to the liver.

All-natural is the buzzword for this sugar substitute. Xylitol is found in vegetables, birch trees, and some fruits. This makes it extremely safe as compared to some other controversial synthesized sugar substitutes. It is even produced naturally in the body and helps in some metabolic processes.

Bone health is important, and Xylitol has been shown to help keep your bones healthy. Studies have shown that it actually can prevent bone loss and can help prevent osteoporosis, a severe bone degradation process. It does this by helping calcium to be absorbed more efficiently. In this way, Xylitol is completely different from sugar.

Probably the most important health benefit of using this sugar alternative is, of course, enamel health. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause rapid cavities or tooth decay. Xylitol works because of how bacteria eat to survive. Sugar is food for bacteria, and they can easily metabolize the sugar. When this happens, the bacteria produce acids that wear away the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Bacteria are unable to feed on Xylitol and therefore unable to replicate. Thus, preventing tooth decay.

Some might say it is obvious that Xylitol can have tremendous beneficial effects on your dental health. Since Xylitol is a safe and healthier natural alternative to sugar, using it in your diet will also help to promote a healthier lifestyle.

2 comments:

  1. If sensitivity happens, discontinue use of whitening goods until you see a dentist.
    phoenix periodontist

    ReplyDelete
  2. So gums with xylitol can be chewed by diabetic patients. Tastes sweet without the sugar, right? contract recruitment

    ReplyDelete

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