I am wanting to know what is the current recommendations regarding the use of xylitol in cooking? Is it a legitimate alternative to cane sugar, stevia and agave as a sweetener?
Gluten Free Forums - Elana's Pantry » ingredients
Xylitol
(7 posts)-
Posted 1 year ago #
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I use it all the time. It's a good product that doesn't promote tooth decay and is low on the hypoglycemic index. Good for diabetics. My only beef is its pretty expensive.
Posted 1 year ago # -
As a diabetic, I use xylitol. It does not spike my blood glucose; fights bacteria in the mouth; and tastes great. It measures like sugar but it does not dissolve as quickly. It is sweet like sugar with a slightly 'cool' taste & has 30-40% fewer calories than sugar. http://www.dentist.net/xylitol.asp
While working on a project with a local university's dental school, I found that the American Dental Association does support & wants to encourage use of xylitol. One problem is getting the proper 'dose' through out the day. Some chewing gums advertise it but may not have enough in the gum for you to get the benefit.
CAUTIONS: DO NOT feed to DOGS. Causes quick & severe drop in blood glucose which can be fatal. ... Introduce gradually into your diet over a few days - sudden larger amounts can cause diarrhea. From what I read, this is typical of sugar alcohols.
Posted 1 year ago # -
do you know the ratio to substitute xylitol for agave in alena's recipes? thanks!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Hello xylitol enthusiasts!
I am in good company. I absolutely love xylitol, and substitute it all the time for agave nectar (as too much agave can totally make my blood sugar spike, too).
My main rule of thumb for subbing xylitol for agave is to start at 1/4th of what Elana calls for. I usually add stevia too (because like Emily-Jo said, it's darn expensive!) but I go up as high as 1/2 of what agave is called for. No more, or it's too much--at least in my experience.
Xylitol does bake differently than agave. Agave lends a more sticky and gooey texture while xylitol makes baked goods a bit more fluffy than usual.
I've converted a few of Elana's recipes to include xylitol and/or stevia instead of agave. Check 'em out if you fancy.
Lori
Posted 1 year ago # -
I just read Gluten Free BFF post, even though it's already 9 months old. I read that xylitol helps balance hormones. I am sorry that I have forgotten just where I saw that - I read so many articles on nutrition! I am so glad to have found http://www.gfbff.com because of you.
I will not use agave syrup because it is utilized by the body the same way high fructose corn syrup is. There is a great article on http://www.foodrenegade.com concerning agave syrup, how it's made, and how the body uses it. Since reading that, I have steered away from agave syrup..
I need to stay away from sugar and grains because of diabetes, and because I just plainly want to feel good and be healthy! I am slowly getting my diet turned around and am seeing steady results that are very positive. http://www.gfbff.com is a link that has been missing for me. Between it and Elana's, and what I already know, I feel I am finally headed in the right direction.
Oh Happy Day!Posted 7 months ago # -
I ran to my local health food store for xylitol, convinced that this product (and I've tried almost everything), would be the answer to my cookie-dough-eating ways. Boy was I disappointed when I ended up, after using some to sweeten my tea, with a long and serious bout of diarrhea. It's the only time I've ever marched back to my beloved health food store, xylitol in hand, to ask for my money back and issue a warning. A warning was printed on the label but it should have read something like: a very small amount of this product is likely to cause an extreme case of gastrointestinal upset which will ruin your day.
Posted 6 months ago #
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