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Xylitol
Context:
According to a recent study artificial sweeteners in chewing gum and even toothpaste can give you blood clots, heart attacks or strokes.
About Xylitol:
- It is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste similar to sugar but contains 40% fewer calories.
- It is naturally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables and can be produced by the human body in small quantities.
- Commonly used in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, mints, and oral-care products.
- Chemically, it combines traits of sugar molecules and alcohol molecules but does not contain ethanol, the type of alcohol that causes intoxication.
- Does not raise blood sugar levels significantly, making it suitable for low-carb diets and diabetes-friendly foods.
- Xylitol Has a Very Low Glycemic Index and Doesn’t Spike Blood Sugar or Insulin
- Consumption of xylitol in large amounts may cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhoea.
- While it lacks vitamins, minerals, or protein, it provides sweetness without contributing to tooth decay, which can be beneficial for dental health.
Finding of recent Study:
- High consumption of xylitol can lead to a state of hypercoagulability in the blood.
- This means the blood becomes more prone to clotting.
- It enhances the aggregation and activity of platelets, which are crucial for blood clot formation.
- Increased platelet reactivity induced by xylitol can potentially lead to the development of blood clots.
- It contributes to conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
- The risk appears to be associated with the ability of xylitol to affect platelet function, rather than its sweetening properties.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the extent and implications of xylitol-induced hypercoagulability.
Do You Know?
Natural Sweeteners: Sucrose, Agave syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Honey.
Artificial Sweeteners: Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame, Neotame, Stevia Leaf Extract , Saccharin, Sucralose, Sugar Alcohols (Sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol),.