Xylitol and sugar are mainly different in terms of heat, composition, metabolic mode and function.
1、Different heat
The sweetness of xylitol is similar to that of sugar, but the calories are much lower than that of sucrose. On the basis of the same sweetness, the calories of xylitol are much lower than that of sugar. More importantly, more sugar will increase the neutral fat in the blood, thus making the body fat, while xylitol can reduce the free fatty acids in the blood, adjust the metabolism of lipids, and have the role of controlling weight and reducing obesity. Therefore, in many "sugar free foods", It means using sugar alcohol instead of syrup.
2、Different components
Xylitol is an organic compound with the chemical formula of C5H12O5, which is originally produced in Finland. Xylitol is a natural sweetener extracted from birch, oak, corn cob,bagasse and other plant materials, and it is a five carbon sugar alcohol that can be used as a substitute for sucrose. In chemistry, sugar is also called carbohydrate because it is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen elements and its chemical formula is similar to the polymerization of "carbon" and "water".
3、Different metabolic modes
The metabolic pathway of xylitol in the body is different from that of ordinary sugars. It does not need insulin to participate and does not raise blood sugar.Therefore, xylitol is often used as a sweetener for diabetics.
4、Different functions
Xylitol not only provides sweetness, but also has a function that white sugar does not have.Xylitol is difficult to be used by microorganisms in the mouth and cannot produce acid, so it will not cause dental caries. Therefore, gum plus xylitol is to protect teeth.
You can eat some xylitol food properly.
Xylitol does not contain glucose and fructose. It is a sugar substitute food additive. People with high blood sugar will not have blood sugar fluctuations or increase blood sugar when they eat xylitol. Xylitol is not easy to be broken down by the enzyme solution in the stomach, but directly enters the intestinal tract.Therefore, people with high blood sugar can not only eat sweet food, but also retain the taste of food when they eat xylitol properly, It can also prevent the blood sugar level from rising too fast, which is a very ideal food.
However,from the perspective of nutrition, it is not recommended that patients with high blood sugar often eat xylitol. Although xylitol does not contain sugar, it contains additives, which is not conducive to health.
It is very good to eat xylitol in moderation instead of sugar.
Although the taste of xylitol may not be as delicious as sugar, compared with ordinary sugar, low calories are its major advantage. After xylitol enters the human body, it is absorbed slowly, and only part of it can be absorbed. The sweetness is similar to that of sugar, but its calories are reduced by 40% compared with other carbohydrates. Replacing sugar can prevent obesity caused by excessive consumption of sugar.
Moreover,xylitol is not easy to be fermented by microorganisms to produce acidic substances, so eating xylitol instead of sugar can reduce the production of dental caries bacteria and tartar, which has a certain effect on the prevention of dental caries.
It is harmless to human body if it is not excessive.
Xylitol is approved to be used in food. As long as it is safe and non-toxic in an appropriate amount, it has no adverse effects on pregnant women, fetuses, nursing mothers and infants. It is generally believed that it is absolutely safe for adults to eat no more than 50g a day and for children to eat no more than 20g a day.
However, a large amount of xylitol can lead to flatulence and diarrhea. Children and some people with low tolerance to xylitol are particularly sensitive. Eating more xylitol gum can cause bowel ringing, flatulence, and even diarrhea.
For sugar users who are exposed to sugar alcohol substitutes for the first time, it is recommended to try a small amount first, then gradually add the amount to let the intestinal tract adapt slowly. Children under 2 years old are not recommended to eat xylitol and other sugar alcohols, and children under 5 years old should not eat sugar alcohols or be careful.
In addition, patients with diabetes should not take too much xylitol, especially those with insulin induced hypoglycemia. In addition, excessive use of xylitol may lead toabnormal blood lipids, thus accelerating coronary atherosclerosis.