Xylitol is an all-natural sweetener that looks and tastes like sugar. It is made exclusively in North America from hardwood trees, and Xyla® is the xylitol brand to watch. “Xyla® is a healthy sugar alternative,” says Julie Reid, Director of Sales, Xylitol Canada. “It has an enormous list of benefits and can be used everywhere sugar is used; in our coffee, jams, pies and cakes and has been used in Europe and many other countries for years.” Xyla® has 40% less calories than sugar and 75% less carbohydrates, so it’s slowly metabolized. It stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, is naturally anti–microbial and is also a natural substance found in our bodies.
Being the mother of 2 children I love to use all-natural sweeteners. Xylitol is one of the best, by far, due to Xylitol being a natural, non-fermentable sweetener that helps restore a proper pH balance to the mouth. This works best for me because I do not have to worry about cavities when my children have snacks with sugar in them. I can simply replace the sugar with Xylitol. Consistently using small amounts of xylitol tends to increase protective factors in saliva, so I am not at all worried about my children’s teeth when they use Xylitol. Using xylitol right before bedtime, after brushing and flossing, protects and heals the teeth and gums. So I do not have to worry about what type of snack my kids can have. It is better for their teeth if they have a snack with Xylitol before bed. Long-term use of Xylitol suppresses the most harmful strains of oral bacteria. So with that said I do not see any reason why my children should not use this always. Not to mention it will be what I use from now on! The number one best benefit about Xylitol is that Xylitol has no known toxic levels, though excessive use might cause a mild laxative effect which resolves as the body’s enzymatic activity adjusts.
Xylitol will be a great sugar replacer in my home! They also have other Xylitol products such as assorted flavors of candy tins, like watermelon, raspberry, mint, grape, and many more to choose from www.xylitolcanada.com. For me these candies are great on the go, or when I am looking for a little something sweet to munch on for a bit. I can fullfill my sweet tooth without it ending up in a terrible cavity; instead I am helping my teeth while getting my sweets. I love all these products and I can even offer a piece of the licorice to my children without a worry of sugar or it being unhealthy for them or their teeth. They think it’s a treat while I know it is helping there little teeth in many ways. The Xylitol comes in individual packets or up to 2 pound canisters. Depending on what your use of it might be I would buy in bulk just to be sure you have it for all your “sugar” needs. Overall, from personal experience with myself and my family, this is a wonderful product and I highly recommend it to any and all people of any age!