What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many high-fiber vegetables and fruits. The primary source of commercially produced xylitol is wood pulp, especially birch, but also other hardwoods such as beech and oak. Our xylitol comes from trees in Finland.

Of course, there is also synthetically produced xylitol, which is often used in large-scale production of beverages and foods.

Xylitol has a sweetness almost like raw sugar, but is a brilliant natural sweetener, as it only contains 4 kcal/100 g - where regular sugar contains 100 kcal/100 g.

This also means that many scientific studies have been conducted, which have resulted in the following health claims:

1. Dental Care: Xylitol has been touted for its benefits in dental care. It has been shown to reduce the incidence of cavities and plaque by preventing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria and by maintaining a neutral pH in the mouth.

2. Blood Sugar Control: Despite its sweet taste, xylitol has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels, making it a popular alternative for diabetics and people looking to control their blood sugar.

3. Weight Control: Due to its lower calorie content compared to sugar and its ability to satisfy sweet taste buds, xylitol has been promoted as a weight control tool.

4. Upper respiratory health: Some studies suggest that xylitol may help reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory infections by preventing bacterial growth in the nose and throat.

Excessive intake can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, especially in people who are sensitive to sugar alcohols.


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