Can A Sweetener Be Good For You?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol sugar.  It is derived from birch trees, legumes and corncobs.  The molecule has only five carbon atoms, less than the regular amount of six found in most other sugars.  This change in molecular structure plays the key role in Xylitol’s beneficial qualities.  Xylitol is a bacterial inhibitor and an oral health enhancer.

Xylitol’s bacterial inhibitor properties limit the ability of bacteria to attach to teeth and tissue.  As such, this means that when invading bacteria enter the body they are unable to get a firm grip. For this reason, Xylitol has recently been touted as a cavity fighting sugar replacement.  Moreover, Xylitol does not require insulin in order to be metabolized.  This makes the product safe for use by Diabetics.  Xylitol has a Glycemic Index of only 7.  This is great news for Diabetics who still like to have a little sweetness in their diets.

Unlike other sugar replacements, Xylitol also tastes pretty much like sugar without the often less than sweet after-taste of other products.  As if this wasn’t enough good news to sweeten your day, for those watching their waistlines, Xylitol also has forty percent fewer calories than regular sugar.  Xylitol may be used in baking, although as it is a tad sweeter than regular sugar, some slight adjustments should be made.