Finding a natural replacement for some of today's foods to promote a healthy diet and nutritional plan is an added benefit when deciding to make positive changes in your lifestyle and habits. When reviewing food ingredients, it seems that some type of sugar is added to most foods, which increases your glucose intake and, possibly, your weight and risk of disease. Therefore, finding an adequate substitute, such as xylitol, for your sugar requirements is a good way to start on your road to fitness.
History
Xylitol (pronounced zahy'-li-tawl) was found by both German and French scientists around the same time in the late 19th century. During World War II, it was used as a replacement due to the sugar shortage. It is found in the xylo in natural woods, such as the bark of trees, and other plants. Due to the complicated process to extract the xylitol and prepare it for consumption, it is a sweetener that is more expensive than sugar, but has proven benefits that might make its cost well worth it.
Sources
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with a five-carbon structure that is derived from a variety of trees, fruits and vegetables. Much of it is extracted from corn plants, birch trees and fibrous produce. It can be found in mushrooms, raspberries, plums and other garden foods, as well. It also is a byproduct of food digested in your body. It tastes like sugar, but contains 40 percent less calories and is not a carbohydrate. Xyitol is approved for unlimited use in the United States as an additive in foods and is sold in packages and bulk, like sugar.
Uses
Xylitol has been found to prevent the growth of bacteria by not acting as a host to ferment yeast or plaque, like sugar does. It has been scientifically proven to prevent tooth decay and ear infections. It also relieves nasal congestion. Ingesting about 8 g of xylitol a day or chewing gum sweetened with xylitol can help lower your risk of developing cavities. Also, brushing with a baking soda and xylitol mixture can reduce the bacteria in your mouth. The antibacterial effects of xylitol gum also might help to eliminate ear infections. Using xylitol in a water solution spray can clear your nasal passages.
Considerations
If you are trying to limit your sugar intake, you can use xylitol as a replacement for most recipes at a conversion of one part xylitol to one part sugar; however, some people might experience slight cases of diarrhea when consumed in amounts of about 30 g or more.
If you have an ear infection, chew xylitol gum throughout the day to determine if it relieves your pain and the infection is successfully being treated. See a doctor to examine your ears and confirm the absence of bacteria causing discomfort.
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