Xylitol is a Natural, Plant-Sourced and Low-Calorie Sweetener

Xylitol – Alternative Low-Calorie Sweetener

As we learn more about how bad simple sugars and simple carbohydrates are for our health, we must look into alternative sweeteners to improve health and safeguard longevity. One alternative to sugar that occurs naturally in the environment is Xylitol. This sweetener is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is found in several different plants and vegetables -- definitely not made in the laboratory!

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an alternative sweetener that is present in many of the foods that we eat, like vegetables and fruits. Xylitol can also be extracted from particular hardwoods and is used to fortify the foods we eat. In addition to absorbing Xylitol from the diet, the human body has the capacity to make a small amount of sugar alcohol using internal physiological processes.

How Long Has Xylitol Been Used for Food?

Xylitol has been used in foods since the late 19th century. The nutrient was first described in 1891 by a German researcher.

Though it was used in a limited manner in the early 20th century, World War II led to a rapid increase in the production and distribution of Xylitol, beginning in Finland, due to sugar scarcity during wartime.

At the time, the Finnish named Xylitol Koivusokeri, which literally means Birch Sugar in English. Though Xylitol can be extracted from various foods and organic products, it was first collected from birch fibers.

After World War II and into the sixties, Xylitol's use as a sweetener expanded quickly into Japan, the Soviet Union, and Europe. Eventually, Xylitol became American soil and is widely used today.

Xylitol has high marks from the American Dental Association for its impact on dental health and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe food product.

Where does American Xylitol Come From?

For commercial use, Xylitol generally comes from a few distinct sources, the most common of which are cornhusk, seed husks, cane pulp, and cellulose from trees.

How Do Simple Sugars Compare to Xylitol?

Table sugar and Xylitol are both potent sweeteners, but there are some significant differences between the two. For example, Xylitol does not actually belong to the class of compounds known as sugar.

In fact, Xylitol is a sugar alcohol. Other sugar alcohols include Erythritol, Maltitol, Mannitol, and Sorbitol. Most common sugars have 6-carbon chains, such as Dextrose, Fructose, and Sucrose. Xylitol, on the other hand, is a 5-carbon compound.

Xylitol has some powerful benefits as compared to ordinary table sugar. As you've probably heard in recent months and years, it is becoming increasingly clear that excess sugar consumption has a hugely negative effect on health, and sugar alternatives such as Xylitol can replace sugar as a sweetener.

Our bodies are designed to rapidly absorb simple sugars and carbohydrates, which leads to a spike in blood sugar and can hinder proper insulin production. In fact, the body can partially absorb Xylitol without Insulin, which further suppresses the need for insulin.

How Do Xylitol and Sugar Compare concerning Caloric Intake?

Because of these specific differences in how the body uses and metabolizes Xylitol, an equivalent amount of Xylitol will only lead to the absorption of 60% of the calories compared to simple sugars. Xylitol passes through most digestive systems without being metabolized until it reaches the large intestine, where it is partially digested.

It would take four calories from sugar for the same sweetness, compared to only 2.4 for Xylitol. In addition to the sensation of sweetness, Xylitol leads to a sensation of cooling, not entirely unlike mint but not as potent. This sensation occurs because Xylitol is alcohol and reacts with chemicals in the saliva, which leads it to absorb heat.

How Can Xylitol Benefit Health and Wellness?

Because of the dietary caloric benefits of Xylitol, there has been a lot of research on the chemical as it relates to our health. Xylitol is frequently used in sugar-free gum and has been endorsed by the ADA because of its positive impact on dental health.

Studies have shown that brushing twice daily and chewing gum containing Xylitol significantly reduces the formation of cavities.

There are two known means by which Xylitol safeguards oral health. Foods containing simple sugar are bad for our teeth because they encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria, which induce an overly acidic environment in the mouth, which is terrible for tooth enamel.

Unlike simple sugars, Xylitol does not undergo the process of fermentation. This helps preserve the natural pH of the mouth, which is slightly above 7. The second reason Xylitol reduces the incidence of cavities is that it encourages the release of saliva, which both preserves the enamel and disperses acids that etch into the enamel.

Xylitol Drawbacks

One drawback of Xylitol and other sugar alcohols is that they can lead to gastrointestinal issues when consumed in excess. This is because Xylitol has laxative effects, resulting from how it passes through the digestive system. Because we only partially break down Xylitol, it can lead to diarrhea, flatulence, and bloating.

Most people who use Xylitol regularly can overcome these laxative effects, and it should be noted that it takes a lot of Xylitol to lead to these issues. Xylitol is quickly becoming favored over other sugar alcohols (especially sorbitol) because it is much less likely to lead to gastrointestinal distress.

Combine Xylitol with Stevia and other Sugar Alternatives to Enhance Health

Cheating gum with Xylitol as a sweetener is a smart choice if you are interested in preserving your oral health and improving overall wellness. Xylitol is not heavily used in foods and drinks we eat daily, but Stevia makes a fantastic alternative to table sugar in teas, drinks, and many foods.

Take steps to minimize your intake of simple sugars, and focus on getting your carbohydrates from complexes such as whole grain rice, whole wheat bread, and vegetables.

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