The benefits of xylitol are astounding. It helps promote healing on your skin/acne, is a natural anti-bacterial compound that healed sinus and ear infections, and tastes really GOOD. It can be used as a sugar substitute, a sinus rinse, is used in beauty products, and is used in most gum and toothpaste products to prevent cavities.
Xylitol — the miracle sugar substitute — what are the benefits and what can we use it for?
But with all of its benefits, there are some things to be aware when picking out the right xylitol products, as well as how much is too much.
I’m not sure where I first heard about this wonderful sugar substitute, Xylitol, but I do remember seeing it at health food store one day and thought the name of it looked familiar.
I ended up picking up a bag and did a little research on what it was exactly. Where had I seen this before? Gum! It’s one of the main ingredients. Now before I delve into what it is, why it’s good and how we can utilize it, I will first say this. I think it tastes BETTER than sugar! Yep. My son thinks so as well, which made the switch from his morning honey on oatmeal to xylitol on oatmeal a breeze.
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So, can xylitol really do all of the things research says it can? The answer is yes!
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is unlike many of it’s neighboring sweeteners, which can cause a variety of health issues and are higher in calories. It is derived from birchwood but is also the all natural sugar alcohol that is found in many fruits and veggies. Xylitol is highly researched and has been confirmed to be incredibly effective and safe.
You might be surprised how many products contain this miracle ingredient, and its secret is being discovered more and more.
But like anything else, moderation is still to be considered, as well as picking out the right kind.
Our food industry loves to cut corners, which has lead to various problems when it comes to choosing which brand.
Here are some good recommendations as to what kind to get that are considered non- GMO as well as made from Birchwood and not corn from China.
The many uses of xylitol
Xylitol as a sweetener
One of the more common uses of xylitol is as a natural sweetener. As I said before, it contains fewer calories than sugar, a whopping 40 %, and in my opinion, tastes better. I must admit, I haven’t cooked much with it, but apparently the ratio for substitution of sugar is 1:1. That means, you can treat it just like sugar and use the same amount in every recipe. I mainly use it in my tea, coffee, oatmeal, and sprinkle on my peanut butter toast. You don’t need a lot to receive the natural benefits that come along with it.
Is xylitol good for your skin? Xylitol as a facial cleanser and skin care
Xylitol is also used in many beauty products, one in particular called Bioderma Cleansing Water.
I don’t want to sound like I’m over-exaggerating here, but ever since I started using this as a facial cleanser, my acne has disappeared.
Not to mention it makes your skin feel fresh and clean, without the harsh effects of how regular cleanser can make your face feel dry and over cleaned.
I used to get large cystic pimples under my skin that have caused scarring and discomfort. Since using this incredible product from France, I haven’t had one breakout.
The bacterial infections I had under my skin disappeared and it has never looked better. I can testify that this product works wonders, and I can’t help but think that the xylitol has something to do with it. Xylitol is a warrior against fighting bad bacteria, so it’s no wonder it can help clear up bacterial skin infections.
Some of its benefits are
Combines performance and very high tolerance
- Cleanses and removes make-up from the face and eyes
- Soothes and clears up irritated skin
- Produces a feeling of instant freshness
- Non-rinse
- Fragrance-free formula
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- AFFORDABLE! Check the price by clicking on the link
Xylitol for teeth — the best cavity preventer
Simply adding xylitol to your diet will decrease your chances of getting cavities. I mean, hello, it’s used in toothpaste! Did you ever wonder how toothpaste could be sweet yet not cause your teeth to fall out? That’s why!
So, if you make changes to your diet by having less sugar and more xylitol, you are automatically decreasing your chances of cavities from this amazing product fighting, once again, that bad bacteria.
Apparently, upon research, xylitol in gum and toothpaste aren’t a sufficient enough amount to make a huge change, so adding it to your diet is necessary if you want the full benefits.
Xylitol as an ear infection prevention
This one I was shocked to discover. When I first decided to write this article, I did a lot of research on what I already knew to be a wonderful product, to find out it was even better than I expected. Using xylitol in your diet will also decrease your chances of getting an ear infection.
Ever since my son has been using xylitol in his morning oatmeal instead of sugar, he hasn’t gotten one ear infection. I know that may not be proof to you but get this. He’s had the flu (the worst one yet) but not one sign of an ear infection during the entirety of it. He used to get them ALL THE TIME when he was sick. Apparently, since the ear nose and throat (mouth) are all synced together, when one is off balance with bacteria, it makes it all off balance. So, by simply preventing cavities and using xylitol in your diet, you are preventing ear infections as well as nasal infections, which again leads me to the next effective use of xylitol.
Xylitol in sinus care and allergies
Have you ever used one of those nasal cleansers? I used to use this one back when I would sing and perform on a regular basis called XLEAR Sinus Rinse. Not only did it prevent my throat from drying up, it opened up my sinuses, helped me with my vocal range, and cleared up my allergies. Guess what the main ingredient is? You guessed it. Xylitol! You can purchase this amazing product here, by clicking on the link. My brother is also a testament to its working wonders on his allergies and many sinus problems.
Dangers of Xylitol
One thing you should take note of is if you own a dog, you should keep xylitol far away. Apparently, it’s toxic to them and can cause death. As for humans, xylitol has no known dangers, except for the digestive discomfort when you get the cheap stuff.
Amazingly enough, if you’re diabetic, talk to your doctor about whether or not you can use this in your diet as it doesn’t spike blood sugar levels like sugar does.
If I haven’t convinced you that you should start using xylitol in your diet, then try it for yourself! It couldn’t hurt.
Thankfully with xylitol, you get benefits from all angles. Fewer calories, it doesn’t spike your blood sugar, and it has incredible health benefits.
