Many quick, processed foods and snacks contain added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar has various negative side effects associated with obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. If you are trying to give up sugar but are in desperate need for a natural alternative that gives the same delicious sweetness that sugar provides, the search is over with xylitol. Nothing comes closer to a sugar alternative taste-wise, as other substitute sugars may leave a bitter aftertaste.
What’s Xylitol?
Xylitol is a a white, crystalline powder, looking pretty much like regular sugar but with 40% fewer calories than one tablespoon of sugar. This makes it great for lowering the calorie count and generally improving your health. Since it’s slowly absorbed, it has almost no effect on blood sugar levels for people who have diabetes.
Its Use in Making Desserts
Craving for sweets but want them to be healthier? Xylitol is great for this purpose. It’s suitable for cooking and baking since it offers volume and texture and keeps its sweetness after being exposed to high temperatures. Sugar free recipes can now taste a lot better! However, xylitol cannot be used as a substitution for recipes that require a hard crack, like crème brulee.
Its Use in Making Beverages Sweeter
If you are not into baking and cooking, then you will probably need one xylitol sachet at a time. Perfect to pop into a bag when going out, it can be taken everywhere. Also very convenient to dissolve in your morning cup of tea or coffee at home, if you find it hard to enjoy these without sugar. Simply use one xylitol sachet where you would usually use one teaspoon of sugar.
A Sweet Friend of Your Tooth Enamel?
Having desserts and drinks flavoured with xylitol doesn’t come with the risk of tooth decay. When digesting sugar, many harmful bacteria in your mouth produce acid. These acids remove the shiny, protective, outer layer of your teeth known as enamel (a process called demineralization). On the other hand, xylitol cannot be used as a fuel for cavity causing bacteria. In fact, this substance protects you from cavities as it has been found to be promising in repairing the toot enamel (process known as remineralisation).
How to Make Sure You Consume It Safely
One of the problems that may arise though is that if consumed in large quantities, xylitol can cause digestive discomfort including bloating, gas and a laxative-like effect. Finally, if you are a pet owner, this one is for you. Make sure the that there is no way your dog can be exposed to xylitol by keeping it out of its reach at all times as this substance can be fatal to dogs.