Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that’s recognized by dentists and health professionals worldwide as a great alternative to white sugar.

Commonly found in chewing gum and breathmints, Xylitol  also has some surprising  health benefits.

10 surprising health health benefits of xylitol

1. Safe sweetener for diabetics:

Unlike sugar, xylitol isn’t easily converted to fat. Because it’s not easily converted to fat, it has almost no effect on insulin levels, making it a safe sugar alternative for diabetics, body builders, dieters, pregnant/nursing women, and also for babies and children.

2. Helps prevent cavities:

Since it is a non-fermentable sugar, it can’t be converted to acid by oral bacteria. Thus, the alkaline-acid balance in the mouth is maintained, which helps in preventing cavities.¹

3. Helps prevent ear infections:

Xylitol can also be used as medicine in prohibiting certain bacterial growth to help prevent ear infections in young children.²

It will also help clear out earwax and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the pharyngotympanic tubes, connecting the nose and ear.

4. Slows the growth of candida:

Xylitol helps prevent bad breath, ulcers, and stomach cancer by slowing down the growth of Candida Albicans (a serious yeast infection), and other harmful bacteria like H. pylori.³

5. May improve bone density:

According to research from the University of Oulu in Finland, xylitol was shown to help improve bone density in rats. This indicates it has potential as a treatment for osteoporosis in humans.

For optimal bone health, it’s recommended that you also eat foods high in calcium or take a calcium supplement.

6. Helps tooth enamel & strength:

In addition to preventing cavities, consuming xylitol in small amounts helps decrease plaque formation, and promotes salivation to prevent “dry mouth”, which aids in enhancing mineral absorption for repairing damaged tooth enamel, while increasing tooth strength.

7. Increases white blood cell activity:

Xylitol, when taken in small amounts, can help increase the white blood cell activity in fighting bacterial infections, to

• help build immunity,
• protect against chronic degenerative disease
• and have anti-aging benefits.⁴

8. Prevents streptococcus mutans in newborns:

When used by nursing mothers on a regular basis, it helps reduce the transmission of Streptococcus mutans (oral bacteria that causes cavities) to children by up to 80 percent during the first two years.⁵

9. Help with allergies & sinus infection’s:

When used as a nasal spray, xylitol is said to be able to help reduce the prevalence of sinus infections, asthma and allergies.

It helps decrease the amount of harmful bacteria that may be in the cells of our nose.

10. May lower risk of ovarian cysts:

Xylitol may help lower your risk of developing ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (a condition that disrupts or stops the ovulation cycle), fibroids, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and possibly breast cancer.

References:
1. A Maguire1 & A J Rugg-Gunn.Xylitol and caries prevention — is it a magic bullet?: British Dental Journal 194, 429 – 436 (2003)
2. Matti Uhari, Tero Kontiokari, et al. A NOVEL USE OF XYLITOL SUGAR IN PREVENTING ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA: Pediatrics October 1998, VOLUME 102 / ISSUE 4
3. Khaled H. The influence of dietary carbohydrates on in vitro adherence of four Candida species to human buccal epithelial cells: Microbial ecology in health and disease, 2005, vol. 17, no3, pp. 156-162
4. Renko M, Valkonen P, et AL. Xylitol-supplemented nutrition enhances bacterial killing and prolongs survival of rats in experimental pneumococcal sepsis.: BMC Microbiol. 2008 Mar 11;8:45
5. Y. NAKAI, C. ISHIHARA-SHINGA, et al. Maternal Xylitol Consumption to Prevent Mother-Child Transmission of Mutans Streptococci: Seq #143 – Epidemiology/Clinical Studies
11:00 AM-12:00 PM, Friday, 30 June 2006 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Exhibit Hall 1