Xylitol 101 - Why We Love This Natural Sugar Substitute
Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that can be sourced in the cell walls of birch trees, rice, wheat, oat, and cotton husks. However, the main source of xylitol for commercial use is corn cobs. Once extracted and processed, the result is a white, crystalline powder that looks just like sugar. Xylitol contains the same sweetness as sugar and has become a popular sweeter in food and health products due to its health claims. It is frequently found in chewing gum and mints and is also commonly used as a sugar substitute in baked recipes. Xylitol is easily added to tea and coffee as well.
You may have heard that buying in bulk is a great way to reduce the regular cost of your groceries. Buying xylitol bulk packages is a great option if you decide to use it as a sugar substitute for good. In addition to saving money, when you buy xylitol bulk packages, you also spend less time in the supermarket, which can result in even more savings. If you aren't there, you won't succumb to those little purchases that can quickly add up.
Xylitol Nutritional Information and Health Claims
Xylitol has only 2.4 calories per gram and a low GI value of 7, which means it has a smaller effect on blood sugar levels and insulin. This makes it a useful alternative for diabetics. No spike in blood sugar or insulin levels also means less sugar cravings.
Xylitol is also known to have significant dental benefits. As you may know, diet plays a major role in dental health and that too much sugar leads to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The reason why eating sugar causes tooth decay is that it leads a highly acidic condition in the mouth, which causes the tooth to weaken, making them more vulnerable to bacteria attack. Generally, saliva washes the mount with an alkaline solution that neutralizes all acidity and helps the process of digestion. But when saliva becomes acid due to too much sugar, bacteria in the mouth have a feeding burst and eat away the enamel. Xylitol can help prevent this by increasing the pH into saliva to a more alkaline state, inhibiting the growth of bacteria that lead cavities.
Side Effects
It is important to mention that xylitol can cause unfavourable effects on the digestive tract when over consumed. That is because during the extraction process, chemicals are added to produce xylitol and these chemicals are known to have a mild laxative effect, which can cause digestive discomfort.
Although xylitol is considered better for dental health compared to consuming large quantities of sugar, it remains a sweetener that alike with other sugar alternatives, too much of it is not recommended. So still, the best way to control dental cavities and sugar cravings is to avoid the excess of sugar and opt for a balanced diet.
