Facts about Xylitol

(Available in table crystals, nasal sprays, toothpaste,

and lollies and chewing gum (in assorted flavours)

WHY XYLITOL?  Manufacture of Xylitol is a costly and exacting process.   With China now a key supplier, prices controlled in part by incentive discounts, are becoming more viable. With buying incentives on offer, we have opted to pool our buying with another importer and limit margin to the absolute minimum to align with ‘groceries’ and so compete with sugar.  Our objective is to force down the Xylitol price to less than double that of sugar.   It can never be the same but at least those (eg diabetics) ‘forced to enjoy’ a sweet can now do so.

WHAT IS XYLITOL?

Xylitol is not strictly a sugar; it is a natural sugar alcohol prepared from fibrous vegetables and hardwood trees such as European Birch.  Xylitol is a ‘polyalcohol = polyol’ with just five carbon atoms in its molecule.  In this form it cannot produce plaque nor lactic acid.   Its foremost benefit is within dentistry.  Xylitol is produced by the body in small amounts thus making it more easily accepted without difficulty at higher levels by the body.

FACTS ABOUT XYLITOL:

• The World Health Organization classifies Xylitol as totally natural and safe with no restrictions
• Xylitol is a carbohydrate (but not a sugar) containing approx 40% less calories (depending upon grade of polyol).
• Xylitol is free of salt, fat, gluten, dairy, soy, yeast and any artificial colours or preservatives.
• Xylitol is the only healthy sweetener with the exception of the costly herb ‘stevia’.
• With a Glycaemic Index 7 Xylitol has negligible effect on either blood sugars or insulin levels but does provide a slow steady release of energy

USES OF XYLITOL

Crystals are exact replacement for table/cooking sugar, although when first converting, some users may feel a need for greater than 1:1 ratio. Use in sugar bowl, recipes and beverages. Xylitol, unlike sugar, does not attract insects such as ants.

BENEFITS OF XYLITOL

• Opposite to the destructive impact of sugar:
• Beneficial to oral hygiene and heath; spectacularly effective in reducing dental caries.
• Chewing gum option pleasant and a perfect path to oral health.
• Modifier of acid formation (especially of saliva) so reducing oral bacteria
• Suits diabetics (A & B) and all ages, especially infants and expectant mothers
• Completely reconstitutes views on sweets. “THESE sweets are good for you!”
• Anti-stress as opposed to refined carbohydrates producing excessive glucose.

Sugar is harmful because it promotes hypoglycaemia, obesity, diabetes; tooth decay and periodontal disease, brain and learning behavioural disorders to mention but a few.  Sugar leaches  vitamins and minerals from the body; raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Xylitol has the opposite impact on the body to that of sugar:

The health benefits of Xylitol far outweigh any cost excess over sugar where usage is at 1:1 ratio but where cost is say, 2:1.  Is it a better proposition to spend $20 weekly on unhealthy ‘sweets’ (both sugars for baking and contained within shop goods and the ensuing health costs) or spend $40 per week on good health and “confectionery”?

IN ADDITION

• Demonstrated benefits for ear, nose and throat, both middle ear and regular “nose washing”  Xylitol spray to ward off infections, allergies and asthma
• Candida, periodontal, bad breath, gastric and duodenal ulcers, stomach and gut conditions
• Osteoporosis. Finnish studies suggest an adult RDA of 40g Xylitol daily will promote intestinal calcium absorption to maintain bone density
• Diabetes, hypertension, hormone imbalances; sugar has produced huge increases in these problems and continues to do so at an alarming rate. Problems which are demolished completely by this healthy alternative. Xylitol instead helps lower risk of illness such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, PMS, hot flushes, weight gain and depression. Even better; no further sugar cravings.

Xylitol Glycaemic Index 7 Sugar Glycaemic Index 100.   Your choice?

Xylitol and Xylitol products are available from Nature's Star NZ Ltd

Freephone New Zealand only 0800 11 67 33; Auckland local 572 0200; e-mail naturesstar@xtra.co.nz.