Xylitol: The Popular Sugar Alternative

By now, most of us are aware of how bad sugar actually is, even far worse than fats in fact. Focusing more on healthy habits, especially in the day to day life, that’s full of stress and errands, it’s more than essential to avoid consuming sugar as much as we can, along with maintaining a healthy diet, and the right amount of exercise.

xylitol toothpaste

I know, it sounds easier said than done to give up sugar, more so for those of us with a sweet tooth, but fret not, there are organic solutions to the rescue, such as xylitol. Though naturally sweeter than sugar, this sugar alcohol is perfect for eliminating halitosis (bad breath), improving teeth and gums, oral health in general as it reduces plaque, caries, and cavities due to its antibacterial properties.

There are many products, like the variety of chewing gum, mouthwash, and xylitol toothpaste Australia round specialised shops and retailers provide, sugar-free and sweetened exclusively with xylitol, ideal for your cavity-fighting daily dose. Since it’s natural, xylitol is obtained from fruits and veggies, including oats, corn, and birch.

Though discovered in the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 1930s that it appeared in pure form, and quickly got popularity so much so that it was even used as a substitute for sugar for the WWII troops. Nowadays, apart from the dental products, like chewing gum, mouthwash, and xylitol toothpaste Australia specialised shops also offer plenty of xylitol drinks, jams, spreads, and icing sugar.

As good as it is for oral health, xylitol helps with weight loss, since it’s helpful with digestion and feeling full longer, so it protects from overeating same as high-fibre meals do. Knowing it’s antibacterial, it prevents from ear infections, and infections attacking the throat, and stomach, dangerous viruses, while it boosts the immune system at the same time, which has its effects with sinus health too.

Also known as diabetic sweetener, xylitol is most useful with diabetics, thanks to the keeping the blood sugar normal, unlike in the case with refined sugar which only exacerbates diabetes. While it’s not dangerous, there are some side-effects usually with the digestive tract, so it’s advisable to do the switch from sugar to xylitol slowly, increasing the amount bit by bit.

Safe for people, it’s not the case with pets, particularly dogs, as it immediately affects the blood sugar levels that can cause problems. After all of these benefits, it’s not surprising why it’s a popular sugar alternative, right? Are you ready to make the switch?