We’ve all at least in passing seen Xylitol on some packages, even if only on the packages of chewing-gums. But what exactly is it and what to choose?

Let’s start with the bases: Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has gained popularity in recent years due to its various health benefits. It is a sugar alcohol that is commonly found in fruits and vegetables and is often used as a sugar substitute in many products. Finland is known for producing high-quality xylitol, while China has also emerged as a major producer of this sweetener but we will get to that in a moment.

Let’s see first why I for one chose to switch from sugar to xylitol:

One of the major benefits of xylitol is its effect on dental health. Xylitol has been shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. This is due to the fact that the bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol as they do with sugar, which prevents them from producing harmful acids that cause dental problems. This makes xylitol a great alternative to sugar for people who want to maintain good oral health. One study found that chewing xylitol gum for five minutes after meals led to a 48% reduction in the risk of tooth decay.

Another benefit of xylitol is its low glycemic index, which means that it does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as it can help regulate their blood sugar levels without causing spikes or crashes. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that consuming
xylitol for 12 weeks improved blood sugar control in people with type 2
diabetes. Xylitol also has fewer calories than sugar, making it a great option for people who are watching their weight.

In addition to its health benefits, xylitol can also help prevent and treat certain health conditions. For example, studies have shown that xylitol can reduce the incidence of ear infections in children and alleviate symptoms of sinus infections in adults.

A study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal found that
children who consumed xylitol syrup had a lower incidence of acute otitis media (ear infections) and a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that using a xylitol nasal spray reduced the severity and frequency of sinus infections in adults.It has also been shown to have a positive effect on bone density and can help prevent osteoporosis.

When it comes to producing high-quality xylitol, Finland has a reputation for being the best. Finnish xylitol is produced from birch trees, which are grown in the country’s pristine forests. The production process involves extracting xylan from the wood, which is then hydrolyzed into xylose and further processed to produce xylitol. The result is a pure and high-quality product that is free from impurities and contaminants.

On the other hand, China has emerged as a major producer of xylitol in recent years. However, the quality of Chinese xylitol is often not up to the same standard as Finnish xylitol. This is due to the fact that the production process in China involves using corn cobs or other plant materials, which may contain impurities and contaminants. Chinese xylitol is also often cheaper than Finnish xylitol, but this comes at the cost of quality.