HHealth
Why is it worth swapping sugar for xylitol?
March 1, 2018
We can hear from everywhere how unhealthy sugar is, so it's no wonder we're looking for alternative forms of sweeteners. One of them is xylitol, is it really worth replacing it with sugar?
What is xylitol?
Sugar substitutes can be divided into synthetic and natural and those that contain and do not contain calories. Synthetic sweeteners used in excess can be harmful to our health, so we should not exceed the recommended doses. Unfortunately, they are difficult to control, so it is better to bet on natural sweeteners. One of them is xylitol, which is extracted from birch, contains 5 carbon atoms and does not ferment in the digestive tract. It is slowly processed in the body with minimal insulin content and therefore has a lower glycemic index than sugar. So it's safe for diabetics.
Although initially it was obtained from the bark of the Finnish birch tree and is still considered to be the most valuable, it is also the most expensive. There are currently two types of xylitol available on the market - original Finnish, extracted from Finnish birch or xylitol extracted from other sources such as maize. Xylitol is also found in fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, plums, corn cobs and mushrooms.
Characteristics of xylitol
Xylitol reduces appetite for sweets, increases immunity, reduces insulin secretion, delays the aging process and prevents obesity. Xylitol has bactericidal properties, it also has nearly twice as many calories as sugar, so it is recommended for people who want to lose weight. Xylitol has a taste and appearance similar to classical sugar, but it is easier to digest than traditional sugar, and prevents the development of bacteria and fungi, unlike traditional sugar. Interestingly, the market will also offer chewing gum with xylitol, mouthwash and toothpaste. Why xylitol and not sugar?
The use of xylitol in baked goods or in everyday life can help to reduce the incidence of caries. Xylitol does not ferment in the mouth, strengthens the enamel and eliminates unpleasant smell from the mouth. It also increases the absorption of calcium, especially in children and people who have osteoporosis problems. Finnish xylitol has more health properties.
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