Xylitol: Nature’s Sweetener
Today in the United States there is a growing occurrence of diabetes. This is not only in the older population, but also the younger population. Founded in 1891 by a German Chemist Emil Fischer, Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (carbohydrate) extracted primarily from birch, however; xylitol is also found in corn, strawberries, and plums. Even our own bodies produce a few grams a day. Xylitol can be used as a natural sugar substitute which would include everything form chewing gum to natural sweeteners. In comparison to everyday table sugar, xylitol has two-thirds the sugar value .
Chemically speaking, xylitol differs from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose, and glucose because the xylitol molecule has five atoms; as opposed to six in the other sweeteners. This in one of the reasons xylitol has been shown in laboratory studies to have natural anti bacterial properties. As a result, there in a lower risk of developing cavities. A recent Finish study showed there was a 30%-60% reduction in cavities among children 11-12 who used xylitol chewing gum.
Xylitol has virtually no aftertaste, and is advertised as safe for diabetics and individuals with hyperglycemia. This is because sugar-alcohols have less impact on a persons blood sugar. Xylitol is important for diabetics as it is metabolized without using insulin. Finally the question of safety arises and in 1986 the FDA confirmed what many people already assumed; xylitol was indeed safe for human consumption.