Xylitol

Why You Need It

• Dental Defense: Stops bacteria from sticking to teeth and reduces cavities.
• Blood Sugar Stabilizer: Has a Glycemic Index of only 7 (vs. 65 for sugar).
• Weight Management: Saves calories while satisfying sweet cravings.
• Nasal Health: Often used in sprays to inhibit bacterial growth in sinuses.

Deep Dive

Xylitol works uniquely in the body. Unlike sugar, which feeds bad bacteria, xylitol enters bacterial cells and disrupts their energy production, effectively killing them. This is why it is highly effective in chewing gums and toothpastes. For metabolic health, it bypasses the rapid insulin spike because it is absorbed via passive diffusion in the small intestine, making it a powerhouse tool for managing metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Natural Food Sources

While we get small amounts from nature, commercial xylitol is extracted from birch wood or corn cobs to create the concentrated powder we use for sweetening.

Supplementation

To reap dental benefits, look for gums or mints containing at least 1g of xylitol per piece. For sweetening food, use it 1:1 in place of sugar. It creates a cooling sensation in the mouth (endothermic reaction) and caramelizes similarly to sugar in baking, though it browns faster.