What is xylitol?
xylitol is a natural hydrogenated carbohydrate, which in pure form resembles white crystals and can be used as a replacement of sugar or artificial sweetener. This can be found in certain sheeps and vegetables that include maize, oats and berries, as well as in the bark of bruising trees. In addition, people produce a daily amount of xylitol when the body breaks its carbohydrates.
The word "xylitol" is of Greek origin. It is a combination of the Greek word "xylos", which means wood and suffix "Itol", which means alcohol. Xylosis can be insulated from wood source and hydrogenated. This explains why Xylitol is classified as sugar alcohol. Other examples of this group include glycerol and sorbitol.
xylitol was discovered at the end of the 18th century on the basis of research by chemists from France and Germany. Until the 1960s, Xylitol has inserted into popular use as an alternative sweetener for people with diabetes, because the body does not need insulin to process substance, as it does sugar. Xylitol also provides sweetness without an inhibitEmotional odors. At the end of the 20th century, it became a common ingredient for special eating food products, making it the most popular sugar in the world.
Another reason for the popularity of xylitol is its similarity to table sugar or sucrose, but does not have a level of sucrose sweet. While 1 teaspoon of hydrogenated carbohydrate has about 10 kilocalories (Kcals), the same amount of table sugar offers 15 kcals. Thus, xylitol contains less energy than sucrose, which significantly reduces its impact on blood sugar in people with diabetes. In addition, due to the adverse effects of excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates, the substance can be used to prevent or combat conditions such as blood pressure, weight gain, poor cholesterol, low blood sugar and prolonged, heart disease, obesity and hypoglycemia.
The best known use of this particular alcohol in sugar is chewing rubber and tVrdé candy. It is also known for its oral hygienic applications. Such use was discovered in the 70s, when Finnish scientists suggested that the substance can be very beneficial for dental health. Specifically, xylitol can be used to reduce plaque formation, help in cavity development and increase saliva to repair the damaged enamel in the teeth. It is located in dental products such as toothpaste, fluoride tablets and oral ox.