If you're a sugar addict, like me, xylitol could be a healthy alternative to satisfy that sweet tooth. It has several benefits that make it a healthy alternative to refined sugar.
It can be particularly useful for those that are diabetic, allowing them to satisfy a craving for sweets that, otherwise, might not be possible.
On this page, I give an overview of its benefits, and an overview of the research concerning it.
What Is It?
Xylitol is a white, crystalline compound that looks and tastes like sugar. It was first manufactured in 1891 by a German chemist named Emil Fischer, but it wasn't until World War II that sugar shortages forced scientists to look for alternative sweeteners. It is frequently used in toothpaste, mints and chewing gum.
However, it wasn't until it later became stabilized that it became utilized as an alternative to refined sugar. It is a natural substance, found in many fruits and vegetables and in several hardwood trees, such as the birch tree.
In fact, it is produced naturally in our bodies, which can make as much as 15 g of the stuff each day.
What Advantages Does It Have Over Sugar?
First, in contrast to sugar, which is damaging to the immune system; xylitol heals and repairs the body. It helps to increase immunity, while protecting the body against several degenerative diseases.
It is also considered to be anti-aging and is low in calories, with only 2.4 calories per gram. In addition, it has 75% fewer carbohydrates and refined sugar.
It is also very slowly absorbed, resulting in negligible changes in insulin levels, making it ideally suitable for diabetics. It looks and tastes exactly like sugar, but has no unpleasant aftertaste.
When there is an abundance of sugar in the diet, the immune system is weakened, thus creating an environment favorable to the development of tooth decay.
This is because sugar causes the proliferation of decay-causing bacteria, and, because it creates a highly acidic condition in the mouth.
Increased acidity in the mouth strips minerals away from enamel, weakening it, thus allowing enamel to be more susceptible to bacterial attacks. These bacteria help to promote inflammation of the gums, and the development of plaque.
Be advised that for it to be an effective cavity-fighter, it should be the main ingredient of the list of ingredients on whatever product you buy.
Normally, saliva washes the mouth with an alkaline solution, neutralizing all acidity. But when the saliva turns acidic, these bacteria will proliferate, sticking to the teeth, where they began to eat away at the enamel.
Xylitol can be every dentist's dream, as it is non-fermentable, and cannot be converted into an acid by bacteria as sugar can.
Thus, it helps to promote a more natural alkaline balance in the mouth.
When the fluids in the mouth are alkaline, the mouth is no longer susceptible to these destructive bacteria, which results in the inhibition of the formation of plaque.
Using it just before bedtime, just after brushing and flossing, you help to protect your teeth and gums. With extended use, it even stops the fermentation process that leads to tooth decay.
Since the oral environment becomes less acidic when this sugar substitute is used frequently, it is best taken immediately after eating, particularly sugary snacks.
Another of its benefits is to prevent the development of bacteria that contribute to middle ear infections in young children. In one study of over 1000 children, xylitol-flavored gum reduced the likelihood of developing middle ear infections by 40%.
It may also help prevent the development of allergies, when used in a spray, to spray and clean the nostrils. A clean nose reduces the likelihood of developing allergies resulting from nasal irritants.
Also, another exciting benefit of xylitol is its ability to reverse bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Studies on laboratory mice whose ovaries had been removed, indicated they were able to maintain, even increase, normal bone density. The ovaries normally produce estrogen, which helps to maintain bone density.
To be most effective, xylitol-flavored gum or mints should be used between three and five times each day. The optimal total intake should be around 5 g.
It has been approved safe for use by several government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration.
With multiple sclerosis, which I have, your mouth produces limited amounts of saliva, which leads to the de-mineralization of the enamel of the teeth.
Unfortunately, years of sugar consumption have caused great damage to the enamel of my teeth as, I do love my sugar. Xylitol may not be able to reverse the damage, but, hopefully, it will prevent any further destruction of them.
