Xylitol is a  good substitute for table sugar (sucrose), tasting good with little or no aftertaste.  The very low glycemic index (stimulates insulin production very little) makes it a very attractive sweetener for diabetics and people with metabolic syndrome.  It is not an artificial sweetener, having been derived from birch bark.  It interferes with tooth cavity bacteria activity and even seems to aid remineralization of teeth.  Besides tooth bacteria, it also inhibits other bacteria in the ears and respiratory tract. Studies have not shown toxicity in humans, even at very high consumption levels.  There may be a mild laxative effect in some people as shown in a study of children consuming more than 2 ounces per day.  Adults have consumed as much as a pound in a day with no ill effect.

If you decide to use xylitol, be aware that it is toxic to dogs.

--Dave

The Gallup Wellbeing Survey is an ongoing project tracking the health and wellbeing of Americans over time.  Part of what they track is self reported obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.  In summary, they are tracking metabolic syndrome.  It is very predictive for cardiovascular disease among other disease consequences.  The states with the highest rates of obesity were West Virginia and Mississippi with 33.5% and 32.2% respectively.  The lowest obesity rates were in Colorado and Massachusetts with 18.7% and 21.5% respectively.  The average rate is 26.2% for the US.  This is all self reported.  In general, the same high obesity states also had high rates of diabetes and hypertension.  Keep in mind that obesity, when self reported, is significantly underestimated.  

Obesity now surpasses smoking and alcohol abuse as a major health problem.  We are getting fatter and suffering the associated health consequences.

--Dave

http://www.gallup.com/poll/160892/coloradans-least-obese-west-virginians-third-year.aspx?utm_source=tagrss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=syndication