What's Xylitol?

You might be thinking, "What is xylitol?" To tell you the truth, I had no idea what xylitol was either. But as I’ve read about it and talked with others about it, I’ve learned a great deal. Many others are also curious to find out about xylitol and the health benefits that come from using it. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what xylitol is and how it can benefit your health.

What is it?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring, white crystalline substance. Everyday, our bodies produce up to 15 grams of it, and it is a substance regularly used in the metabolism process. Most sugar alcohols contain 6 carbon atoms, but xylitol only has 5 carbon atoms. Because of the difference in carbon atoms, your blood sugar will be lower from eating it and your body will digest it slower, giving better nutritional balance. It looks and tastes like sugar but is undoubtedly safer and more nutritious. Xylitol has about the same sweetness as sucrose (regular table sugar) but has 40% less calories and none of the insulin effects or negative tooth decay of sugar. Xylitol can also be found in a wide variety of foods including fruits, mushroom lettuce, berries and corn cobs. It also has a pleasant cooling effect in the mouth for your pleasure.

Why is it good for you?
As xylitol has gained more recognition for nutritional value over the years, doctors, dentists, periodontists and many health organizations have given their endorsement of the product. It has been proven to especially help fight dental caries. Xylitol gum reduces plaque and also helps fight cavities. It does this by reducing the secretion of plaque acids so that they do not build up on your teeth and cause all the problems from doing so. Also, as we grow older, we notice that our teeth start to wear down. The wearing of our teeth is from losing the outer enamel, and xylitol gum helps facilitate the remineralization of tooth enamel to make your teeth look healthier and stronger. These dental benefits are not only good for you, but especially for your children. It will mean fewer problems with your children’s teeth that will result in fewer dentist office visits.

Now, there is candy with xylitol that your children can eat that is much healthier for them. Candy will provide you and your children with the same benefits as xylitol gum will. You can expect fewer cavities, less plaque, and healthier teeth. Xylitol is also being more commonly used as a sugar sweetener. So now you can put xylitol in or on any food or drink, have the same sugary taste, but not worry about the extra sugary intake.

Who would have thought that a natural occurring substance like xylitol would be so good for you? As you can see, xylitol can greatly enhance and bring greater nutrition to the lives of you and your children. With just a little piece of gum, you can fight plaque and cavities all day. You will be grateful for xylitol and you’re children will love it.

Jordan Bartlett is a Client Account Specialist with an Internet marketing company. For more information about xylitol please visit Xlear.