Xylitol is a low-calorie alternative to table sugar. It contains zero net effective carbohydrates and is a great choice for diabetics. Xylitol is absorbed more slowly than sugar and doesn't contribute to high blood sugar levels or the resulting hyperglycemia caused by insufficient insulin response because sugar alcohols have less impact on a person's blood sugar than regular sugar.
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that can be found in the fiber of many fruits and vegetables and is even generated by the body during metabolism. It is not a sugar, but a sugar alcohol. It differs from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and glucose because the Xylitol molecule has five carbon atoms instead of six. Xylitol has the same degree of sweetness as sugar and has a pleasant, cooling effect in the mouth.
Xylitol is considered a tooth friendly sweetener and has been clinically proven to fight cavities and discourage plaque formulation. Most bacterias in the mouth are unable to make use of sugar alcohols. This is one reason why Xylitol helps prevent cavities. Recent research suggest that Xylitol, having some chemical properties similar to sucrose, attracts and then 'starves' harmful micro-organisms, allowing the mouth to remineralize damaged teeth with less interruption. Xylitol based products are allowed by the FDA to make the medical claim that they do not promote dental cavities.
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