Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from fibrous vegetation. This 5-carbon sugar was originally made from birch sugar, but now the majority on the market is refined from corn. So what’s so magical about this natural sweetener?
Firstly, there’s its calorific content: it has 40% less than refined white sugar. It also has a much lower effect on blood-glucose levels, important for diabetics and avoiding sugar-crashes. When measured on the glycemic index, a measure of sugar’s impact on blood glucose, it scores an 7; compared to white sugar, which scores a much higher 100!
Unlike many artificial sweeteners, Xylitol is derived from natural products and doesn’t leave a nasty aftertaste that puts so many people off diet-drinks and other sweeteners.
Lastly, Xylitol has been clinically tested over 25 years and occurs naturally in our body. Each day, our bodies produce 5-10 grams of Xylitol by breaking down other foods. The chemical was first approved as a food item by the FDA in 1963, then recognised as a safe sweetener in 1983.
These reasons are partly why health professionals and nutritionists recommend it; but there’s also some surprising health and therapeutic benefits that put this sweetener above the rest.
Sugary drinks will rot your teeth
But Xylitol will starve the cavity-creating bacteria, and help reduce the acidity of your saliva.
The most common cause of tooth decay is diets high in sugar. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar, giving them the energy they need to launch an ‘acid attack’ on your teeth – causing cavities that’ll require expensive dental treatment.
90% of these bacteria can’t consume Xylitol, meaning their attacks are foiled and the enamel shielding your teeth is protected. Not only does Xylitol limit the damage to enamel, research has shown it actually aids the rebuilding of your enamel. It does this by stimulating saliva, rather like when eating a tasty treat; and the saliva can then get to work reconstructing your enamel, releasing amino-acids and rising pH levels to allow calcium and phosphate to strengthen your teeth.
It not only weakens bacteria and strengthens enamel; Xylitol also inhibits the development of plaque. After more than 25 years of scientific testing, it’s been found consuming up to 15 grams a day has extraordinary health benefits.
This is why you’ll find Xylitol added to chewing-gum, toothpaste, mouth-wash and other dental consumables; and why dental institutions from England to Estonia promote its use.
Helping dieters and diabetics cheat
Because of Xylitol’s much lower effect on blood glucose, it’s proven popular with people who are losing weight and managing diabetes. Whilst marginally less sweet than sugar, it comes in a very similar form; making it ideal for baking cheeky treats that aren’t going to cause a spike in blood-glucose. Not only is it less calorific, but Xylitol also keeps cravings at bay by prolonging fullness and tricking your metabolism into thinking it’s had more calories than you’ve consumed.
Solution to sinus problems
As well as its dental and dietary benefits, Xylitol also helps heal our sinuses. Studies have shown 8-10 grams of Xylitol led to a 30% drop in children’s sinus infections. Its antibacterial properties are particularly strong at fighting off flu, colds and other sinus infections.
Improving calcium levels
One of Xylitol’s effects in our digestive system is that it aids absorption of calcium. Over time, studies have shown this keeps bones strong and helps combat the aging process.
Warding off infections
Xylitol is alkaline, meaning when we digest it; it helps keep our pH at normal levels. This reduces the effort your body’s blood and organs have to work, and makes our body more hostile to bacterial and viral infections.
Xylitol is also the only sugar that yeast can’t break down. Not only does it starve yeast infections, it actually contributes to its destruction; proving perfect for people at risk or trying to rid themselves of a yeast infection.
Start incorporating Xylitol in your lifestyle and enjoy its many benefits!
You can learn much more tips on reversing teeth cavities and gum disease in Alice’s Dentist Be Damned! book.
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