Xylitol-A Healthy Supplement and Natural Sweetener

Xylitol, a sweetener made from natural substances like wood, fruits and vegetables, is actually recommended by dentists as a preventative against tooth decay. In addition, xylitol doesn't cause blood sugar fluctuations and can, therefore, be used by diabetics.

Although many artificial sweeteners exist--some of which don't taste too bad--many people who are trying to clean up their diets don't care to use "artificial" foods. Both aspartame and sucralose (the ingredients in Equal and Splenda) have been known to cause toxic reactions in some users.

While another natural sweetener called Stevia--sold in many health food stores--is becoming more well known, it has a somewhat bitter taste and is only palatable in foods that already have a slight bitterness to them already, i.e. tea and the like.

Xylitol, however, tastes just like sugar, measures like sugar, is safe for baking, is good for your teeth and is converted to glucose more slowly than sugar--requiring little insulin to be metabolized so it doesn't cause sudden changes in blood sugar levels. The xylitol molecule only has five carbon atoms, instead of the six found in other sweeteners. As most bacteria in the mouth are unable to use this chemical combination, xylitol has been found to prevent cavities. In addition, xylitol has fewer calories than sugar.

Sound too good to be true? Well, there are a couple of negatives.

First, excessive use of xylitol may cause a laxative effect. However, it's easy to find out what the word "excessive" means to you. Begin by using xylitol in small amounts, i.e. as a replacement for sugar in your morning cup of coffee or tea. If this amount has no ill effect (and it probably will not), you can try a little more the next day, and the next, etc.

Second, xylitol is rather pricey. I paid $11.99 a pound and was not thrilled about that (although it can be purchased online for far less, but one must keep shipping costs in mind). The primary source for xylitol is birch trees, and production is expensive.

However, I have health issues that more or less forced me to forgo sugar entirely, so I was glad to see that a healthy (healthier than sugar!) substitute exists, even at this high price. After having given up sugar, I got used to not using a sweetener at all, so I have no problem using it sparingly and a pound can last a very long time. Therefore, I'd say it's worth the price.

Lastly, xylitol can be difficult to find. So far, I've only been able to find it in health food stores and, if you live in a rural area, they can be few and far between. The buyer may be forced to order online, if it can't be purchased locally.

I've tried two different brands, NOW and KAL, with no difference in taste. It would seem that xylitol is xylitol, just as sugar is sugar, regardless of the brand.

Overall, I heartily recommend using xylitol for your everyday sweetener needs, if you can find it and if you can afford it.