What is Birch Tree Sugar?
For people who want to consume a natural sweetener without the fear of weight gain, birch tree sugar is the ideal choice. The list of benefits for the daily diet is broad.
A natural product
The main component of birch tree sugar is xylitol. It’s a polyalcohol that was discovered at the end of the 19th century, by the German chemist Emil Fischer, winner of the Nobel Prize in 1902.
This product originates from the bark of the birch tree, a large tree from Southeast Asia, that currently grows on all continents. It’s a substance that the human body produces in small doses, through the metabolization of hydrates in the liver.
One of the advantages of this sugar is that to obtain the crystalline powder, (very similar in appearance to traditional white sugar and extracted from sugarcane,) you just have to crush the bark of the tree. It’s not necessary to use any type of chemical process.
Birch tree sugar: zero cavities
Dentists really appreciate this natural ingredient. Unlike regular sugar, birch tree sugar doesn’t ferment when it’s in contact with saliva. This means that bacteria circulating between the teeth and gums can’t feed on it.
Birch tree sugar often appears among the active ingredients of many types of mouthwash. Among its benefits is the contribution to the mineralization of tooth enamel. The result is a shiny white smile, free from cavities.
Half the calories, low glycemic index, and the same taste
Birch tree sugar contains 50 percent fewer calories than normal sugar, which we usually have at home. That is why it has become a good ally for weight loss. Actually, with it, the same uses of common sweeteners are achieved: sweetening coffee, tea or other infusions. It’s also used in cakes and ice cream.
On the other hand, its glycemic index is dramatically lower. Birch tree sugar has a GI of seven, compared to a GI of sixty-four in traditional sugar. This measure indicates the ability of foods to raise blood glucose levels.
Additionally, this product offers a very pleasant and sweet taste, far from the bitterness that accompanies the popular sweetener, stevia.
Sugar for diabetics
In addition to a fairly low glycemic index, insulin doesn’t metabolize xylitol. Thanks to this, with its consumption, even in excess, there are no abrupt changes in blood glucose levels.
Friend of the digestive system
The positive effects of birch tree sugar are also felt throughout the digestive system. Its probiotic faculty allows the increase of bacteria that facilitate food processing. It’s also an extremely effective tool in the prevention of constipation.
Strengthens the immune system
Thanks to its alkaline properties, xylitol facilitates the pH balance in the body, which directly benefits the entire immune system and the basic functions of our body.
In addition to preventing the proliferation of the fungus, Candida Albicans, the components of xylitol improves the body’s response to infections.
For the whole body: inside and out
Birch tree sugar increases the level of collagen, a protein responsible for strengthening the elasticity of the skin and joints. It’s an active principle related to the appearance of the nails and the shine that the epidermis exhibits.
Its presence is equally important for the muscles and the entire bone system. Thus, reducing the risk of injury to tissues and tendons and preventing the onset of degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis.
Collagen represents about 30 percent of the proteins present in the body. However, its natural production decreases progressively with age. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find protein complexes with xylitol, in ointments or healing creams, designed to regenerate and restore the health of the skin.
No long-term risks
It’s not a toxic product. Taken in excess can become a powerful laxative, generating diarrhea. However, this effect can generally be overcome in around 24 hours.