Have you heard of Xylitol? I recently learned about the health benefits of Xylitol from Healthy Body. I had never heard of it before and found the information very interesting. I then investigated it to verify the claims and information. What I found were a lot of positive articles about this substance.
Xylitol could save you on dental bills and, of course, saving is what we are all about. The following article ties together my research from several sources. Initially Xylitol was used on teeth; however, that there are now experiments beginning conducted in an attempt to prove that it is also beneficial for bone density and the skin.
Xylitol is found in chewing gum and some candies. It is a naturally occurring 5-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, it is produced in small amounts by the human body, and has a wide variety of uses and benefits, from improving the health of your teeth to maintaining upper respiratory health.
Unlike sugar, Xylitol does not get absorbed into the body fully. It does not cause a surge in blood sugar like sugar does. It is sweet, like sugar and of course ideal for diabetics and those watching their carbohydrate intake.
The Harvard School of Dental Medicine considers Xylitol as the safer sweetener after more than 1,500 scientific studies in individuals, which stopped their sugar cravings after substituting sugar with this sweetener. Participants also reduced their insulin levels, and alkalinized their bodies.
If you have ever eaten Xylitol you probably have had a cooling sensation in your mouth. It is like the temperature in the mouth suddenly decreasing. This cooling of the mouth causes the saliva production to increase and causes the ph of saliva to grow.
Increased saliva in a natural form cleanses and protects the teeth.
Because Xylitol increases the level of acidity in the mouth, teeth can freely pass remineralization process. This means that your teeth can actually build their own backup. New Cavities may be prevented from forming. Small cavity surface, which is only in the enamel may disappear completely after consistent use over time.
Xylitol also inhibits the growth of the primary degradation bacteria that like to colonize in the mouth and leads to decay. Xylitol does not allow the bacteria to attach itself to the teeth as plaque. It separates the plaque from the teeth.
Bacteria will still be alive in the saliva but cannot do more harm than when it is attached to the teeth.
Bone Health
Xylitol health benefits also include the bones, mostly because of the re-mineralization effects mentioned above. Patients with osteoporosis are often encouraged to ingest small amounts of Xylitol to help strengthen bones and increase bone density. Although these studies are not yet proof, they do suggest that this substance is effective.
Skin Health
Studies indicate that Xylitol consumption increases skin thickness and collagen content in animals. Skin lotions that contain Xylitol, have been shown to reduce bacteria and increase dermal hydration, with its high moisture affinity.
