Xylitol – Pure Awesomeness
Sweets are awesome, but they come with a price. The lack of any freedom when it comes to sweets is a common problem among diabetics and amongst athletes who are looking to control their intake and their weight. Scientists and food companies around the world have been rushing and researching in an effort to fulfill this need. Xylitol is one of their monumental discoveries and it is being touted as a fine replacement for sugar.
For weight watchers, the greatest benefit of Xylitol is its lack of caloric content compared to sugar – 9.6 vs 15 calories per tablespoon. With no aftertaste, it’s quickly becoming a favorite of manufacturers and diabetics alike, as it gives the taste with a greatly lessened risk of affecting their condition. Finland in particular is a country in love with Xylitol – which makes perfect sense, as this is its home country.
Dental care is among the many benefits that the use of the compound carries. Scientists have actually confirmed that Xylitol actually does reduce the chances of plaque formation, almost with a bait and switch like quality to it. The fact that it is similar to sucrose is enough to call in the micro-organisms that cause plaque and then from there, can actually starve them out.
As stated and stressed, Xylitol is an amazing boon for those who suffer from diabetes. With its reduced caloric content and as it is taken in by the body slowly, Xylitol actually avoids the high sugar levels that are associated with sugars. It even carries with it potential to combat osteoporosis or the degeneration of bone, as it actually supplements bone density. While that’s not probably why I’ll use the product, it’s really good to know that it’s doing something good for me, at least.
The uses for Xylitol are varied and numerous indeed. However, even Xylitol has some downsides. For instance, it is incompatible with yeast is it interferes with it greatly. It is this same effect that is responsible for its teeth cleansing powers. When it comes to weight control it is definitely a better alternative than standard sugar – however, it does not actually contribute to a diet as it only stems the tide of calories.
It also appears to be an additive best for human consumption – dogs have shown adverse affects to being fed Xylitol, ranging from low blood sugar to more serious complications, such as liver failure, so Spot’s definitely off limits. These can manifest 30 minutes from ingestion, so those who want to make it a big part of their diet should take care to keep it away from their dogs. While other studies have shown that some dogs receive no ill effects from it, it is usually best to stay safe rather than sorry.
Sugar’s gotten a bad rep over the past few decades. It has been blamed, somewhat rightfully most of the time, for a multitude of conditions. The bad news is that a large number of the world’s population enjoy indulging their sweet tooth cravings whenever they possibly can, exposing them to a number of dangers associated with it. The great news is, Xylitol is here, ready to take its place in a multitude of products, able to reduce the risk of those dangers – or even eliminate them completely.