What is Xylitol Made Of?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is found in fruits and vegetables, such as berries and mushrooms. Although it is a sweetener, Xylitol is not a sugar; it is actually a sugar alcohol.
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Discovery
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Xylitol was discovered nearly simultaneously by German and French chemists in the late 19th century. Xylitol was discovered in its original form in birch bark.
Construction
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Professor Kauko K. Mäkinen, from the Institute of Dentistry in Finland, says Xylitol was first made by means of sodium amalgam reduction of D-xylose (wood sugar). Since the original raw solution was impure, there were also small amounts of sugar alcohols other than Xylitol.
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Hemicellulose
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Materials that have a good amount of hemicellulose are commonly used in Xylitol creations. Hemicellulose is various plant polysaccharides, or complex carbs.
Features
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Because Xylitol is not an actual sugar, it is safe for diabetics to use. It is considered a healthy alternative to sugar and sugar substitutes.
Uses
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According to Xylitol Info, Xylitol is used in gum and other candies, medicines such as tablets and syrups, in toothpaste and mouthwash. These products use Xylitol instead of sugar because it will break down faster.
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