The Positive Effects of Xylitol on Diabetes
Negative Effects of Sugar
It is a shocking fact that the average per capita consumption of
sugar and related sweeteners in the USA is an astounding 141 lb/year
according to a video by Dr. Robert H. Lustig (Sugar: The Bitter Truth)!
Sugar can be in the form of sucrose or refined sugar, high fructose
corn syrup, fructose (found in honey, molasses, maple syrup and fruit
juices), and corn syrup. These forms are all simple carbohydrates, and
it has been shown by research that excess consumption
over time can lead to diabetes mellitus, commonly known as Type 2
diabetes, a chronic condition that can be treated by dietary and
lifestyle changes and by supplementation with insulin when necessary.
Diabetes can also cause conditions to develop that may trigger the onset
of degenerative diseases such as heart disease, kidney dysfunction,
cataracts, deafness, and osteoporosis.
Xylitol and the Glycemic Index
Although not a panacea for solving the diabetes problem, the introduction of xylitol into the diet as a substitute for these harmful sweeteners is a good way to satisfy one’s desire for sweets without experiencing their negative effects. Whereas sucrose has a glycemic index (GI) of 60, xylitol has a GI of between 7 and 13, depending on the source of the information. The GI is a measure of how quickly sugar is absorbed into the blood stream during digestion, and it follows that, because of its high GI rating, high levels of consumption can lead to blood sugar spikes that can cause an excessive release of insulin. Over time, this may lead to insulin resistance in the body’s cells that can result in the development of diabetes. Xylitol, on the other hand, is absorbed much more slowly, has minimal effects on blood sugar and insulin levels, and some even passes through the intestines without any absorption. According to Dr. David Williams (Alternatives, Vol. 13, No. 12), “Since xylitol is non-fermentable, intestinal bacteria can’t digest it as it passes through the digestive tract into the intestines. Instead, it acts as a fiber, and produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids.” Because xylitol is a natural product, it is nontoxic, and is also “familiar” to the body since it is produced in small quantities during normal metabolism. The body secretes enzymes that make it usable as a fuel for the production of energy.
Advantages of Xylitol
John Peldyak, DMD, in his book, Xylitol, Sweeten Your Smile (1996), presents an interesting discussion about diabetes on pp. 18-20 concerning the disadvantages of sugars that are added to the diet and the advantages of xylitol as a sugar replacement. He states that an increase in sugar consumption causes “. . . a rapid rise in blood glucose which triggers an insulin burst, followed by a rapid decrease in blood sugar, increased fatigue and more hunger.” In addition, he reports the negative aspects of increased dental disease and a lack of absorption of certain trace minerals. Some advantages of replacing sugar w
ith
xylitol are a reduction of up to 40% of calories, a slow and steady
release of energy, equivalent sweetness to sugar, reduction of dental
disease, reduced craving for carbohydrates, and improved absorption of
B-vitamins and calcium. Our
Pentasweet Xylitol is of the highest quality and purity, and the price is the lowest on
the Internet! Try it and the other fine xylitol products on our website
to help kick the addictive sugar habit.