Question
What are the differences between xylitol and sugar? Why can diabetics eat xylitol?
Answer
Xylitol is a natural plant sweetener extracted from birch trees, oak trees, corn cobs, and sugarcane waste. It can effectively reduce the amount of plaque bacteria in the mouth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that pregnant women take xylitol in moderation for three months before their child’s birth to reduce plaque bacteria in the mouth, making it the best sweetener for preventing tooth decay. Additionally, xylitol does not require insulin for metabolism in the body and does not increase blood sugar levels. It can also alleviate the ’three excesses’ (polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia) in diabetics, making it a safe sweetener, nutritional supplement, and adjuvant treatment for diabetics.