Xylitol

Pure xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. Xylitol is a naturally occurring 5-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables and produced in small amounts by the human body. For commercial use, xylitol is manufactured from xylan hemicellulose sources such as birch trees, cane bagasse and corn cobs. Xylitol is the sweetest of the polyols with the same sweetness as sugar (sucrose) but with 40% fewer calories and none of the negative tooth decay or insulin release effects of sugar.

Xylitol is used as a healthy sweetener for almost any kind of food or beverage and is also widely used in candies, gums, mints and toothpastes since it inhibits tooth decay, unlike regular sugar which promotes decay and cavities. Also unlike table sugars, xylitol does not cause blood sugar to rise dramatically, and does not promote insulin resistance. Therefore xylitol is a terrific alternative sweetener for diabetics or those watching their weight. Xylitol can be used in place of sugar to reduce calories, and can be used for cooking and baking.