The difference between xylitol and sugar

Xylitol and sugar are not the same substance, but they both have a sweet taste. Xylitol is used to replace sugar to make some foods, so that people who cannot eat sugar can also experience the deliciousness of the food. Xylitol has a wide range of applications and many functions. But xylitol is not sugar after all. Its physical properties are different from those of sugar, and the food made from it will differ in taste and other aspects.

Difference Between Xylitol and Sugar

1. Xylitol

The most commonly used sweetener in "sugar-free" snacks is xylitol. It does not cause blood sugar to rise, does not cause tooth decay, and has lower calories than sugar, so it is very popular.

2. If you want to make "sugar-free" snacks, just replace the sugar in the recipe with xylitol. The sweetness of xylitol is similar to that of white sugar, and it can basically be replaced in equal amounts. For those who don’t like it too sweet, you can use a reduced amount.

3. But it must be noted that xylitol is not sugar after all and does not have the common characteristics of sugar. Therefore, when xylitol is used instead of sugar, the snacks made will definitely be different. In addition, the daily intake of xylitol by adults should not exceed 50 grams.

Application scope of xylitol:

1. Xylitol does not require insulin to be involved in the metabolism in the body, nor does it increase blood sugar levels. It can also eliminate the three polyurias of diabetics (polyuria, polyuria, and polyphagia). Therefore, it is a safe sweetener, nutritional supplement, and auxiliary therapeutic agent for diabetics.

2. Edible xylitol will not cause tooth decay and can be used as a sweetener for foods such as chewing gum, chocolate, and hard candy.

3. Due to its unique function, it can be used as a sweetener for low-sugar foods when mixed with other sugars and alcohols.

4. Xylitol has a cool taste and works better after freezing. It can be used in refreshing cold drinks, desserts, milk, coffee and other industries. It can also be used in health drinks, throat soothing medicines, cough syrups, etc.

5. For the sake of health, it can be used as a substitute for sucrose at home to prevent diabetes and obesity caused by excessive consumption of sucrose.

6. Xylitol is a polyol that can be used as a moisturizing agent in cosmetics and has no irritating effect on human skin. For example: facial cleanser, beauty cream, lotion, etc.

7. Xylitol is hygroscopic and has anti-caries functions, and liquid xylitol has a good sweet taste, so it can replace glycerin as a flavoring agent for tobacco, anti-caries toothpaste, mouthwash, antifreeze moisturizer, etc.

8. Liquid xylitol can be used in the manufacture of battery plates. It has stable performance, is easy to operate, has low cost, and is better than glycerol.

Health Benefits of Xylitol:

1. Its sweetness is equivalent to that of sucrose at room temperature, and 1.2 times that of sucrose at low temperature.

2. It is easily soluble in water, absorbs a large amount of heat when dissolving, and feels particularly cool in the mouth when consumed.

3. It is not fermented and utilized by bacteria in the oral cavity, which can inhibit bacterial growth and acid production, and prevent tooth decay.

4. Blood sugar levels will not rise after consuming xylitol.

5. Good biological stability.

6. Good hygroscopicity.