Xylitol SweetenerMost often it's made from birch trees or corn cobs/husks. It's been on the market for decades and is most commonly used in chewing gum, mints and candies to help prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
Xylitol sweetener is also used in low-carb baking recipes and dessert recipes (except for yeasted doughs, which won't rise due to the lack of real sugars). Xylitol from birch is known to be superior to that made from corn. Although the finished products are very similar, if you're going to cook with it, I'd recommend using birch xylitol. Xylitol sweetener is considered safe for diabetics and low carb diets, when used in moderation, as it contains only a quarter of the carbohydrates found in sugar, and is not easily converted into fat in the body. It is considered safe for pregnancy, nursing moms, and for children as well. I remember my mom giving us chewing gum when I was little, called Xylifresh, which was indeed made with xylitol. The following information on xylitol sweetner is quoted from a dentistry website (yourdentistryguide.com), and gives a good overview of some of the recognized benefits: "...xylitol has been found to increase the activity of white blood cells involved in fighting bacteria and thus may help build immunity, protect against chronic degenerative disease and have anti-aging benefits. It has been proven effective in inhibiting Candida albicans, a serious yeast condition, and other harmful bacteria, including H. pylori, which is implicated in gum disease, bad breath, ulcers and stomach cancer. Research shows that dietary xylitol prevents weakening of bones in rats and improves bone density, indicating xylitol's potential as a treatment for osteoporosis in humans. Using xylitol instead of sugar and/or refined carbohydrate foods may help to lower the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (a condition that disrupts or stops the ovulation cycle), ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and possibly breast cancer." Xylitol Safety Concerns - Worth Reading
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