Xylose is a form of sugar that comes from woody substances such as straw, corn cobs, pecan shells, and cottonseed hulls. There are a number of benefits to using xylose instead of regular table sugar. It is safe, healthy, toxin-free, and allows people to indulge their appetites for sweet food without weight gain and other issues commonly associated with sugar. The sweetener may help fight infections, restore hormonal imbalances, and treat other health problems.
This sugar substitute became popular in Japan and throughout Europe in the 1960s. It was successfully introduced in the United States upon approval by the FDA in 1963. Since that time, the substance has served as both a food sweetener and as a remedy for certain health problems.
Versatility is a major characteristic of xylose, as it has many forms and uses. The substance is available in liquid form, and the crystallized form is an appropriate replacement for granular sugar used in baking. Some people also have used xylitol, a sugar alcohol which is a product of xylose.
As a sweetener, it provides a much healthier alternative to regular sugar. The rate at which the body absorbs table sugar is much higher than the rate of xylose absorption. People can consume far more of this product without any ill effects.
It is not surprising that people on strict diets use xylose. Many diet and reduced-calorie foods contain the substance because it has high fiber content, no carbohydrates, and far fewer calories than sugar. The fiber helps with both weight loss and digestion, while the lack of carbs and low calorie count make it an appropriate choice for many types of diets.
The potential health benefits do not end with weight loss and digestive health. Xylose is antibacterial, antifungal, and contains natural healing agents that help ailments ranging from ear and nasal infections to hormonal imbalances. The substance also lowers insulin levels, improves the immune system, and can increase bone density in older patients. It also may help relieve allergy and asthma symptoms by decreasing bacteria that live in the nasal cavity.
Another benefit of the sweetener is increased oral health. Xylose does not decay teeth like table sugar, making it safe to use in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum. The sugar substitute also has properties that fight tooth decay and gum disease. It also can improve some of the decay and damage caused by gum disease because it decreases the amount of bacteria that cling to teeth.