Xylitol - what is it? Harm and benefit of xylitol

There are people who for certain reasons can not use sugar (for example, diabetics, men or women suffering from obesity). But how to live without such a sweet substance to such persons, is there any alternative? Naturally, there is always a way out, and regarding sugar too. There is an excellent substitute for it called xylitol. What kind of substance is it, how is it produced, in what areas are applied - we will consider in the article. We also learn about the beneficial properties of this sweetener and its possible negative effects on the human body.

Xylitol - what is it? General information

This white crystalline substance, which excellently dissolves in water, is remarkably perceived by the body, and also has its energy value. In its natural form, xylitol (international name xylitol) is found in many vegetables and fruits, and it can also be extracted from berries, mushrooms, oats, corn husks, birch bark. Industrial production of this substance occurs by processing hardwoods or corn cobs. Ironically, China produces xylitol. By the way, this substance was discovered only at the end of the XIX century, since then it has become popular in Europe (it was there that it was discovered) as a sweetener for people suffering from diabetes.

The assimilation of xylitol takes place without the participation of insulin. Due to this effect, diabetics can use this substance without problems. Absorption of the sugar substitute occurs very slowly.

Application

It should be said that an excellent sweetener is xylitol. What is it besides the substance that has found its application as a stabilizer, emulsifier, water-retaining agent, many already know.

Xylitol is often used in the food industry, for example, instead of sugar in the production of sweet products for people suffering from diabetes, as well as obesity. It is added to drinks, various desserts. In food, he performs such roles:

• Emulsifier - with its help you can mix components that are not normally combined.
• Sweetener - gives sweetness, is less caloric than sugar.
• Stabilizer - thanks to it is formed, and also the texture, consistency, form of the product is preserved. So, if the meat is poured with xylitol solution, the freshness of the product will last about 2 weeks at a temperature of 0 to 5 degrees. And when using this substance in the production of sausages, it improves their taste, and also makes the color attractive.
• Moisture retaining agent - can save moisture, so it is often used in the meat processing industry to increase the weight of the final product.

Xylitol, the harm and benefit of which will be described below, can also be used in the production of esters, synthetic resins. Of course, this substance is often used in the manufacture of chewing gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, in olfactory organs.

Form of issue and price

The sweetener is sold in packages of 20, 100, 200 and 250 grams. Xylitol, whose price is higher than the cost of ordinary sugar, can be purchased for 150 rubles for a 200-gram pack.

Where to buy?

This sweetener can be bought in shops, supermarkets of healthy food. It is also sold on the Internet.

Beneficial features

1. Xylitol is a sugar substitute, which restores the natural acid-base balance in the mouth, keeps the teeth healthy.
2. It does not allow caries, tartar and plaque to form. It also strengthens enamel and improves the protective properties of saliva.
3. Xylitol, the use of which is permissible in pregnant women, significantly reduces the number of streptococcus bacteria in the developing fetus.
4. If a person chews chewing gum regularly with this sweetener, it indirectly helps him to overcome ear infections. The fact is that in the process of mechanical processing of food by teeth, the earwax is activated and the middle ear is cleared. And the harmful effect of sugar on the oral cavity is absent.
5. Xylitol is useful for bones: it fights against their fragility, strengthens density and is a remarkable prevention of osteoporosis.
6. This sugar substitute is often added to the drugs for the nose, as it reduces the risk of developing asthma, rhinitis, allergies and sinusitis.

Harmful properties

As such, this substance does not carry any harmful effects. Negative effect can be observed only with individual intolerance of this food supplement or in case of an overdose of it. The daily dose of such a sweetener should not be more than 50 grams per day for an adult. Otherwise, negative manifestations are possible: bloating, increased gas formation, upset of the stool.

Xylitol, the harm and benefit of which have already been noted, must be used according to the instructions. Therefore, we will further consider in what quantities this sweetener should be taken.

How correctly to use?

The amount of sugar substitute used depends on the result expected of it:

• As a laxative - 50 grams together with warm tea, on an empty stomach.
• For the prevention of caries it is necessary to take 6 g of xylitol daily.
• As a cholagogue - 20 g of substance in the form of a solution, with water or tea.
• With diseases of the ears, throat and nose - 10 grams of this sugar substitute. The substance should be taken regularly, because only then can there be a visible result.

special instructions

1. Xylitol, the instruction to which should always be included in the package with this supplement, is not recommended for people suffering from various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Xylitol should be kept away from dogs, as it is extremely toxic to them.
3. Before taking this supplement, you should always consult a doctor.
4. It is forbidden to give substance to children under 3 years.

Shelf life and storage conditions

The instructions to the substance indicate that you can save xylitol for 1 year. However, if this sweetener is not spoiled, it can be applied even after the expiration date. And in order for xylitol not to form lumps, it must be stored in a sealed glass jar in a dark, dry place. If the substance has hardened, it can also be used, but the yellowed sweetener should already cause fears - in this case it is better to throw it away.

Now you know that xylitol is an excellent alternative to sugar. What is this substance, how it is received, where you found it, you learned from the article. We also determined that this sweetener has many positive properties that have a great effect on human health. But the substance practically does not give any negative effects. But if a person makes a mistake with the dose and takes a sweetener in large quantities, then he may have side effects. To avoid this, it is necessary to correctly and clearly take this substance according to the instructions.