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Xylitol…every sweet tooth’s dream The consumption of sugar in this country continues to steadily increase. As this increase continues, so does the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Our bodies are not designed to consume so much sugar in a variety of forms such as: glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, dextrose, barley malt, honey, rice syrup, maple syrup, corn syrup, sucrose and white and brown sugar. All of these sugars quickly convert into glucose (blood sugar), which is the primary inducer of high insulin levels that contribute to age-related disorders as mentioned above. Artificial sugars have been introduced to American diets years ago to thwart the growing incidence of obesity, but has failed miserably. Obesity is becoming one of the fastest growing maladies in this country today. So much for fake sugars! Contrary to popular belief, these artificial sugars, i.e., nutrasweet and equal, which contain aspartame, contribute to some very serious illnesses and health conditions. Just because a substance is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no guarantee it is risk-free. Unfortunately, many consumers are now terribly addicted to the taste of artificial sweeteners which are 10-20 times sweeter than regular sugar and find it unpalatable to consume sugar because it is not quite sweet enough. There is however, a very sweet, safe and healthy alternative that has been kept under wraps way too long. Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruits and in birch trees. It is a crystalline carbohydrate that is classified in some chemical encyclopedia, as a sugar. It is a naturally occurring form of the 5-carbon sugar, xylose which is quite different from sorbitol, which is a 6-carbon hexitol. Sorbitol supports the cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, whereas xylitol actually prevents cavities. Xylitol is slowly absorbed and metabolized thus resulting in negligent changes in insulin. Xylitol was discovered in 1891 by a German chemist, Emil Fisher. It was not until the sugar shortages became a reality, that Finland began to use xylitol. Those who began using it were also know to have better health which stimulated the desire to research the reason why. There are numerous studies today that have researched the value, efficacy and safety of xylitol. It is currently approved for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and oral health products in more than 35 countries. There are several benefits to using xylitol. Those who consume xylitol on a regular basis have fewer cavities, improved periodontal health (gum health), a reduction in sinus and throat infections, bad breath, gastric and duondenal ulcers and H. pylori. This is a dentist’s dream! In 1994, Finland conducted research studies that were shown to maintain bone density in rats which had their ovaries removed. (Without ovaries, estrogen levels in these rats plummeted and so did the bone density in the rats that were NOT given xylitol. In those rats that were given xylitol, their bone density actually increased. The Finnish scientists speculated that xylitol’s bone density-enhancing properties were due to its ability to promote intestinal absorption of calcium. Other clinically proven effects of Xylitol
Many researchers believe that xylitol mints, gum or nasal spray may be a safe and easy way to treat and prevent chronic sinusitis and more serious throat and lung infections. Some studies have shown to reduce the incidence of middle ear infections by 40 percent in children. In the state of Wisconsin, xylitol is being used in the Head Start program to prevent dental caries and to instill preventive behaviors at a young age. Because xylitol is slowly metabolized, it is a natural insulin stabilizer, which does not cause an abrupt rise and fall of blood sugar like sugar does. Foods sweetened with xylitol will not raise insulin levels which makes this a perfect sweetener for diabetics and those who are wanting to lose weight. To be fully effective, xylitol should be used daily. Much of the research suggests consuming at least 4-12 grams per day which equates to about 4-12 mints or pieces of gum per day. It should be used after each meal and after the mouth has been rinsed with cold water. Other researchers suggest consuming more, depending on what type of pending condition may exist or what it is a consumer wants to accomplish from a preventive perspective. This little gem of information can save consumers hundreds of thousands of dollars in dental bills particularly, and other common ailments. It is highly recommended to consume this nutrient and enjoy the practical benefits it provides. For additional
information about Xylitol, visit: References: Health Disclaimer: The information provided on this site should not be considered as personal medical advice. Readers should research and consult with appropriate healthcare practitioners on matters related to their personal health and well-being. The information and opinions on this site are believed to be accurate and scientifically sound, based upon the best judgment available to the author. References are noted where appropriate. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.Copyright © 2007, Preservion, Inc. All rights reserved Last Updated: August - 2004
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