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Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that is crystalline in form and looks and tastes like sugar. In fact, it can be used measure-for-measure in recipes that call for sugar. Xylitol is all-natural, not artificial, and is a normal substance used in everyday metabolism. Found mostly in fruits and vegetables, xylitol has been given the FDA's safest rating as a food additive. Because xylitol is absorbed slowly and only partially utilized by the body, it contains 40% less calories than sugar, about 2.4 calories per gram. Xylitol serves as a popular sugar substitute for diabetics and people with hypoglycemia. It has a low glycemic index (7) and has little effect on blood sugar levels. With no carbohydrates, Xylitol is a good choice for those on low-carb diets.
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