| Personal Care Corner | |
Xylitol: How Sweet It Is!
by Brenda Guettler, from the February 2004 newsletter
No matter how much we all might “like” our dentist as a person, most of us would prefer to see her/him as infrequently as possible. As a matter of fact, I consider it a failing on my part if I have to see my dentist more than my scheduled biannual checkups. If you’re like me and would prefer to limit those inevitable trips to the dentist, you might be interested in an exciting sweetener called xylitol.
Xylitol was discovered in 1891 but was not highly utilized until World War II caused a sugar shortage in Finland. Interestingly, the Finns noticed that those who used xylitol seemed to receive some health benefits. This observation sparked interest and studies concerning the new sweetener. Found naturally in some fruits, vegetables, and various hardwood trees, xylitol has been used in human food since the 1960s. Xylitol is slowly absorbed which means that it won’t affect insulin levels like sugar and some other sweeteners. This makes it a great tasting alternative for diabetics.
Xylitol is classified chemically as a sugar alcohol. Sorbitol is another sugar substitute that shares this classification. A major difference between these two sweeteners is that sorbitol is a 6-carbon sugar while xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar. Xylitol is, therefore, a more appropriate choice for dental care because its 5-carbon structure does not allow bacteria to flourish. Numerous studies have shown that chewing xylitol gum or candy can actually help prevent cavities. “Clinical and field tests demonstrated dramatic reductions in new tooth decay, along with arrest and even some reversal of existing dental cavities” (Pierini, 2001). I know it sounds too good to be true, but it gets even better. Xylitol also wreaks havoc on bacteria that can cause chronic sinusitis and ear infections.
In addition to its antibacterial qualities, xylitol is also an antioxidant and is being studied further for its other positive health benefits. Here at the Co-op, we have cinnamon, peppermint and fresh fruit-flavored xylitol gum (located in both the candy and oral care sections). Yes, the fresh fruit flavor really does taste like Juicy Fruit. We also carry Xlear Nasal Wash made with xylitol. Many people have found relief from allergy symptoms, sinus problems, and ear infections when using Xlear.
Remember to consult your health care professional about xylitol to find out if it’s right for you and your family. Also, stop by the Co-op to pick up a brochure about Xlear and some gum while you’re at it.
Sources:
“Xylitol: A Sweet Alternative” by Carolyn Pierini, CLS,
CNC, Sept. 1, 2001, www.vrp.com/art/
“Xylitol”, The Natural Pharmacist
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