Health benefits of xylitol

Introduction

Xylitol is a natural sweetener which can be commonly found in mints, chewing gum and chocolate. For most people, chocolate is more than just a snack because everyone loves sweets. For many centuries, chocolate has been an indulgence and a reward and it has always been recognized for its many benefits.

Chocolate provides the human body with energy, it stimulates the pleasures centers stored in the brain and restores overall vitality. When someone thinks of a healthier lifestyle it usually involves giving up chocolate and sugar as well but it does not necessarily have to be so. Xylitol is actually a natural compound that tastes and looks exactly like sugar and it can be commonly found in numerous vegetables and fruits and even the human body produces it normally during metabolism.

Benefits

Xylitol has the same sweetness as sugar but provides no health concerns usually associated with sugar and the artificial sweeteners which is very important because it is totally safe for consumption. Xylitol actually has healing and repairing properties. Sugar induces the formation of acids in the human body while Xylitol has strong alkaline-enhancing properties which lead to better overall health.

Xylitol is based on five carbon atoms while all the other sugar molecules rely on a six-carbon atomic structure. This distinctive structure does not allow the bacteria to utilize Xylitol for energy. The structure also prevents it from being metabolized by the human body which makes it the perfect sweetener for people who are very cautious when it comes to carb counting, blood sugar balance and weight loss.

Xylitol was first used in Finland in the 19th century and it was made popular because it could be used as a safe sweetener for those who suffer from diabetes as it did not have any impact on the levels of insulin. Xylitol is an excellent alternative to all the artificial and refined sugars and it does not contribute to higher blood sugar levels because it gets absorbed much more slowly than regular sugar. Xylitol is also very efficient in the treatment of osteoporosis because it largely improves the density of the bones.

Xylitol can also be very beneficial in preventing numerous ear infections when consumed in chewing gum. It can also be very efficient in controlling the oral infections of candida yeast and improving the overall dental health because it reduces dental plaque significantly. In short, there are many health benefits of this natural alternative to sugar.