Benefits Of Xylitol

Xylitol is natural five carbon sugar alcohol and a kind of carbohydrate that is found in almost all fibrous vegetables. It is naturally produced within the body, but for being used as a sugar substitute and commercial production corncobs or birch wood is used as the main sources. All oral health care products like foods, pharmaceuticals, toothpastes, natural health care, and chewing gum contain xylitol. It has been in use since 1960s, with about 35 countries using products containing xylitol all over the world. It has numerous benefits to our health especially the dental health. These benefits include:

1.Benefits to dental health.
Xylitol helps in reducing the development of dental cavities. It thus prevents the teeth form decay.
Xylitol resists the fermentation of teeth by oral bacteria and protects them from decay.
Helps in reducing the formation of plaque
Intake of xylitol via any means helps to increase the flow of saliva in the mouth. This increased salivation aids in repair of damaged and decayed tooth enamel.
Compliments the action of fluoride in products related oral hygiene.

2.Benefits as a sweetener.
The sweetness of xylitol is equivalent to the sweetness of sugar
Xylitol contains fewer calories as compared to sugar
The metabolism of this five carbon compound does not require insulin.
With a very low glycaemic index (GI) i.e. seven it is beneficial for diabetics.
In contrast to artificial sweeteners, this compound xylitol has multiple health benefits for us. When consumed, the absorption of this compound is very slow and does not have any effect on levels of insulin in the blood. Therefore the blood sugar or glucose levels of the blood also remain unaltered. Thus it is highly beneficial for people suffering with diabetes or those having blood sugar abnormalities.

3.Xylitol treats Otitis Media
Another remarkable advantake of consuming xylitol is its ability to reduce the occurrence of acute otitis media or acute infections of the middle ear which especially occurs in children. Xylitol suppresses the growth of bacteris known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is main cause of this condition. Studies have revealed that xylitol inhibits the occurrence of this disease by about 30 to 40%. Although, children often consume xylitol-sweetened syrup and gum, but it should be taken regularly, as there is no positive effect of taking it after the infection has already begun.

4.Used in the kitchen.
In its pure form Xylitol is used in baking and for cooking everyday food preparations. Xyliotol can also be substituted for sugar, however due to its drying properties you will need to adjust the amount of fluid added to the recipe.
Xylitol is very dangerous to the health of dogs and therefore products containing Xylitol should not be given to any dog pet or stray.