Well, thanks for bringing that up in the comments. I was curious because I was not familiar with that one.
What is the Glyemic Index? Just an 8.
Does it (or more accurately CAN IT promote weight loss?) Yes. In moderation.
Who is it safe for? Everyone – pg, nursing, etc. Everyone.
What are the side effects? Diarrhea and lose stools. In one study I read, the rats tested DID have higher insulin levels within 40 to 60 min. after ingesting xylitol. But that seems to contradict everything else I read. And it didn’t say the QUANTITY of the Xylitol in that study.
How much is it? More than sugar.
Does it have an aftertaste? No.
Where does it come from?
Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, as well as in corn cobs and various hardwood trees like birch. It is a natural, intermediate product which regularly occurs in the glucose metabolism of man and other animals, as well as in the metabolism of several plants and micro-organisms. Xylitol is produced naturally in our bodies; in fact, we make up to 15 grams daily during normal metabolism.
Well I think, as it appears, it should be on the SAFE list.
Here is what I found:
• Xylitol™ is a 100% Xylitol sugar-free natural sweetener. It is not an artificial sweetener. It is derived from a compound called xylan found in birch and other hardwood trees, berries, almond hulls and corn cobs. Artificial sweeteners (saccharine, aspartame, aculsefame etc are all harmful to health).
• Xylitol not only does not feed candida, it actually has anti candidal effects. So you can now make an anti candidal hot chocolate!
• Xylitol is a polyol, a substitute for sugar that occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables.
• Xylitol™ looks, tastes and feels just like ordinary sugar with no aftertaste, and can be used just like sugar and in equal quantities in hot and cold drinks, on desserts and cereals, and in home-baking.
• Xylitol™ has a very low Glycaemic Index (GI = 8) so can be used by people on Low-GI Diets.
• Xylitol™ has the same sweetness as sugar but only 60% of the calories: only 2.4 kcal/g as opposed to 4.0 kcal/g in ordinary sugar.
• Xylitol™ is suitable for use by Diabetics: Xylitol does not need insulin to be metabolized and does not cause fluctuations in blood-sugar.
• Xylitol™ Promotes healthy teeth and gums: Unlike sugar, Xylitol is actually good for teeth. It fights plaque by neutralizing plaque acids and stimulates remineralization of tooth enamel. Xylitol specifically inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the plaque producing bacteria most responsible for causing cavities (dental caries). So Xylitol helps prevent fillings! This is why Xylitol is used extensively in chewing-gum and toothpastes.
• Xylitol™ also has a prebiotic effect, promoting the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract.
• Xylitol™ inhibits yeast, therefore it cannot be used to raise yeast in baking.
• Please note we now sell a corn free only variety. Most Xylitol brands on the market are derived from corn, which occasionally causes problems with individuals who are allergic to corn.
Please note: Excess consumption can have a laxative effect. So be careful to begin with. Actually it would be more accurate to state the full facts explained to us by Naturopath Sherrill Sellman, N.D. who has researched and written about it in detail: “Xylitol is not a laxative…although for some people they need more time to make the enzymes necessary to digest a large amount. So, initially, some people may have loose stools if they are sensitive or consume large amounts. If that is the case, they should go slow and then be able to tolerate it over time.”
What is YOUR opinion on Xylitol? What are your experiences? Did it work with your body ok? What else do you have to say about it?
very interesting, I would like to hear from people who use this. Is it widely available, how much does it cost etc.
I have never purchased xylitol, but have eaten foods with it as an ingredient. For the most part, I do okay with it – it does have a bit of laxitive effect, but not too bad for me…
Thanks for the info on it, Bonnie!
I love it and was turned onto it about 7 years ago. I buy it at Whole Foods. You could get it easily online.
When I first started using it, I took it pretty easy, fearing the laxative effect. I’ve never had a problem with that. I’ve noticed that some mainstream sugar-free gums have switched to a Xylitol sweetener. I can’t remember if it was Trident? I saw it at Target, so it was no off-brand.
I really enjoy it. I used Stevia prior to finding Xylitol and was never 100% crazy about the slight aftertaste, and I often had problems getting the measurement right. I always felt like I could have used less than the typical 1/3.