The ideal Sugar Substitutes: Stevia and Xylitol

With more information about the food that goes into our bodies, these days we have all learned one vital lesson and that is that sugar is really bad for you. It can cause obesity and it can lead to diabetes along with many other various health issues. Bad as it may sound, we have also become aware of some great sugar substitutes which actually have some great health benefits. We’ll be talking about two of the most popular sugar substitutes available on the market today which are the sweet stevia sugar substitute and xylitol. You can read the benefits for yourself and then maybe you’ll want to decide which of these you would want to incorporate into your diet to replace your sugar intake, or maybe you’ll like them both.

Did you know xylitol can cut out cavities and strengthen your bones? Sure you can prevent cavities, but it is one of the most common problems in children and adults with almost everyone suffering from a cavity in their lifetime. Eating sugar creates the perfect environment in your mouth for bacteria to grow and decay your teeth. Xylitol however actually begins to kill this bacteria which can lead to less risk of tooth decay and plaque. This effect can last for years if used regularly when you replace sugar and can help with the remineralization of tooth enamel. Because of this effect studies have shown that xylitol can also increase bone density and help with the treatment or preventing osteoporosis. Of course, clinical trials are still being held but the results so far look promising.

Stevia has been used for its medicinal properties since ancient times; it was even used for diabetes to regulate blood sugar and insulin. Taking care of your insulin levels and your blood sugar can help you reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and many other problems dramatically. And consuming stevia before a meal unlike sugar shows far lower glucose levels after a meal. Another great thing about replacing sugar with stevia is you will feel satisfied for longer and won’t eat as much during the day which is a great indication that your blood sugar and insulin levels are good. As a result of replacing sugar with sweet stevia sugar substitute, your blood sugar will be lower and less insulin will be needed to regulate it which is a great way to combat insulin resistance. Stevia is a safe sugar substitute which can help maintain normal sugar and insulin levels non diabetic and diabetic alike.

But there is something that stevia can’t deliver and that’s the ability to prevent ear and upper respiratory infections. Xylitol on the other hand stops the harmful bacteria that causes ear infections and disturbs your sinuses from growing, it also stops the bacteria from hanging on to your tissues so it’s easier to treat. Xylitol in a form of a syrup or chewing gum, can reduce the risk of getting an ear infection or sinus infection by up to 40%. If that’s not a good enough reason to switch from sugar to xylitol, I don’t know what is. We know how sensitive children are to these types of infections so maybe test it out and see how it goes, imagine how much happier your child will be and how much money you can save on medical bills.

Another amazing benefit from consuming stevia on a regular basis is that it can decrease your blood pressure. If you have health issues related to that problem and if you are not already consuming stevia, talk to your doctor about replacing sugar with the sweet stevia sugar substitute. A study has shown that people who replaced sugar with stevia also have a higher quality of life score than compared to those who consume sugar on a daily basis. Though studies are still being conducted, it shows that stevia can lower elevated blood pressure but does not have any effects on normal blood pressure.

Replacing sugar in your diet these days is so easy with so many substitutes available to you and with all these added health benefits I’m surprised everyone hasn’t been converted sooner. If you suffer from any medical condition I suggest you talk to your doctor before changing your diet. You can find xylitol and sweet stevia sugar substitute in most health food stores and also in some supermarkets; you can also browse and purchase health food products online and have them delivered straight to your door. You should make the switch from sugar for your health and an overall better quality of life.