I never tire of repeating about the dangers of sugar. I even launched the Sugar Detox program. But the problem with sugar is that people who have firmly grasped the savory truth about it still cannot give up desserts. And do not refuse, you must choose the right, healthy desserts! There are tons of options – you can find recipes, for example, in my application or in this book. Experiment with common recipes, replacing sugar with healthy sweeteners. For example, xylitol.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found, for example, in the fibers of fruits and vegetables or in birch bark. It is also called birch sugar. Xylitol can be added to drinks if you are used to sweet tea or coffee, or you can add it to baked goods. Try this xylitol made from birch bark.
What is xylitol good for? First, a record low glycemic index – 12 (honey – 50, table sugar – 65). That is, xylitol does not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels, like ordinary sugar, and this is very important for healthy people, so as not to overload the body, and for those who suffer from metabolic syndrome, have a risk of developing blood clots and are prone to diabetes.
Compared to sugar, xylitol contains about 30% fewer calories, which in itself can affect your waistline.
Xylitol is not completely absorbed by the intestines, acting as a dietary soluble fiber, thereby helping to maintain intestinal health.
Xylitol has a positive effect on oral health. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth consume sugar: you eat foods that contain regular sugar – the bacteria on your teeth get an energy source and begin to multiply and produce acids that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Xylitol helps protect teeth from “acid attack” by keeping the mouth pH neutral. Here’s how it happens: The bacteria in the oral cavity that produce acid and cause cavities are unable to digest xylitol – as a result, their growth is significantly reduced, and the level of acidity in the mouth drops.
This sweetener can be used in cooking and baking. Converting dessert recipes is very simple: xylitol is just as sweet as sugar, so it simply replaces sugar in a one-to-one ratio.
I buy this birch sugar here.