What is Xylitol?

You might be thinking, "What is xylitol?" To tell you the truth, I had no
idea what xylitol was either. But as I've read about it and talked with
others about it, I've learned a great deal. Many others are also curious to
find out about xylitol and the health benefits that come from using it. In
this article, you'll learn exactly what xylitol is and how it can benefit
your health.

What is it?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring, white crystalline substance. Everyday,
our bodies produce up to 15 grams of it, and it is a substance regularly
used in the metabolism process. Most sugar alcohols contain 6 carbon atoms,
but xylitol only has 5 carbon atoms. Because of the difference in carbon
atoms, your blood sugar will be lower from eating it and your body will
digest it slower, giving better nutritional balance. It looks and tastes
like sugar but is undoubtedly safer and more nutritious. Xylitol has about the same sweetness
as sucrose (regular table sugar) but has 40% less calories and none of the
insulin effects or negative tooth decay of sugar. Xylitol can also be found
in a wide variety of foods including fruits, mushroom lettuce, berries and
corn cobs. It also has a pleasant cooling effect in the mouth for your
pleasure.

Why is it good for you?
As xylitol has gained more recognition for nutritional value over the
years, doctors, dentists, periodontists and many health organizations have
given their endorsement of the product. It has been proven to especially
help fight dental caries. Xylitol gum reduces
plaque and also helps fight cavities. It does this by reducing the secretion
of plaque acids so that they do not build up on your teeth and cause all the
problems from doing so. Also, as we grow older, we notice that our teeth
start to wear down. The wearing of our teeth is from losing the outer
enamel, and xylitol gum helps facilitate the remineralization of tooth
enamel to make your teeth look healthier and stronger. These dental benefits
are not only good for you, but especially for your children. It will mean
fewer problems with your children's teeth that will result in fewer dentist
office visits.

Now, there is candy with xylitol that your children can eat that is much
healthier for them. Candy will provide you and your children with the same
benefits as xylitol gum will. You can expect fewer cavities, less plaque,
and healthier teeth. Xylitol is also being more commonly used as a sugar
sweetener. So now you can put xylitol in or on any food or drink, have the
same sugary taste, but not worry about the extra sugary intake.

Who would have thought that a natural occurring substance like xylitol would
be so good for you? As you can see, xylitol can greatly enhance and bring
greater nutrition to the lives of you and your children. With just a little
piece of gum, you can fight plaque and cavities all day. You will be
grateful for xylitol and you're children will love it.

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Jordan Bartlett is a Client Account Specialist with an Internet marketing company. For more
information about xylitol please
visit Xlear.