Xylitol, a naturally occuring sugar substitute, is clinically proven to be a natural enemy of bacteria. It is mainly extracted from corncobs. Other natural sources of xylitol include plums, strawberries and raspberries. It has 40 % less calories than sugar. Only 1/3 of the absorbed xylitol gets metabolized in the body.
Because xylitol is a five-carbon polyol, it is not metabolized by mouth bacteria, and as a result, no acids are produced in the mouth that can cause tooth decay.
The sweetness also stimulates saliva flow, which neutralizes any acids that have been formed and rinses away excess sugar residue. Xylitol helps keep an alkaline environment in the oral cavity that is inhospitable for mouth bacteria.
Xylitol is a low-glycemic sweetener and is metabolized independently of insulin. It does not cause the sharp increase in blood sugar levels or the associated serum insulin response, which is usually seen following consumption of other carbohydrates.