Reasons to Make Friends with Xylitol and Ditch Sugar
Over the past few years more and more people have started to cut sugar out of their diets because it seems that it is not good for us at all. This has led to people looking for alternatives to get their sugar hit. You can find so many different substitutes on the market but today we are going to be covering xylitol. It looks and tastes like sugar but it isn’t, sounds crazy right? So many of you are probably wondering what it is exactly and if its any good, well we’ve got you covered.
So what is xylitol exactly? Well, it is classified as a sugar alcohol and you can find it in small amounts in fruits and veggies. It is a super common ingredient which you can find in things such as gum, candy, mints, and many diabetes friendly foods. It has the same sweet taste but not nearly as many calories, not to mention all the other benefits it has. It doesn’t contain anything particular great like minerals or vitamins but it doesn’t contain anything bad either like sugar does. Xylitol is classified as a carbohydrate but it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels which is what makes them great for diabetics and low carb foods. There are so many benefits that come with xylitol so if you want to know what they are then keep reading below.
- Keeps Blood Sugar Stable – Sugar can have dramatic effects on blood sugar levels and can spike insulin levels dramatically. It can also lead to insulin resistance and metabolic problems. This is because of the fructose in sugar whereas xylitol doesn’t contain any fructose. This means that it has no effect on blood sugar and insulin and it is a great substitute for diabetics. It also has low calories which are great for people who are struggling to lose weight or just want to lead a healthier lifestyle. This is one of the many reasons why it has become so popular that you can now find xylitol sugar Australia wide in almost any supermarket or health food store.
- Great For Dental Health – There are many studies that prove that xylitol has many benefits toward dental health and prevention of tooth decay. We have a really big amount of bacteria in our mouths; mixing this bacteria with glucose is what causes cavities and gingivitis. Replacing sugar in your diet with xylitol, therefore, reduces this from happening as there is no glucose in xylitol. It doesn’t stop there as this bacteria will use xylitol for fuel which in turns kills the bacteria in your mouth. There are also a few added benefits of ingesting xylitol and they are increased absorption of calcium, increased production of saliva, and the reduced acidity in saliva.
- Reduces Ear Infections In Kids – We have canals that connect the nose, ears, and mouth together. Children are particularly sensitive in these areas which is why mouth bacteria can easily cause ear infections. Xylitol starves the bacteria in the mouth and it ends up dying so the reduced bad bacteria will prevent it reaching any other part of the body. Children who chew gum that contains xylitol actually have fewer ear infections.
- Increases Collagen Production – Your skin contains a lot of collagen but it starts to decrease over time. Outside factors can also break collagen down faster like bad diet, smoking, and alcohol. There have been many studies showing how an increased intake of xylitol actually produces collagen in the skin. Having more collagen in your skin counteracts the signs of ageing and slow it down dramatically. Now if that’s not a great reason to stop eating sugar than nothing is.
It is important to note for all those animal lovers out there that xylitol is toxic to dogs. If you decide to make the switch from sugar to xylitol, then you must make sure to keep it out of reach of small children and where your pets can get to it. While there is no glucose in it a dog’s body can mistake it for glucose which in some cases can lead to liver failure and can be fatal. Xylitol is readily available almost everywhere and you can easily find xylitol sugar Australia wide in many supermarkets, health food stores, even online. If you are trying to cut sugar out of your diet then give xylitol a go and feel the benefits for yourself.
