X is for Xylitol

I pondered over this one, started writing about Xanadu, didn't like it, then thought X marks the spot.  I use
to make a lot of treasure maps for my brother and his friends, when we were younger.  Then I thought about
X-ray, have had a lot of those-nah!

 X is for Xylitol, I see this product in a lot of the sugar free gum/candy, that I eat.  What is it? It is a sugar alcohol sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables.   It does seem to have some health benefits, but also side effects if  one over indulges.
  
   Xylitol is clinically proven to:

                          Fight and Reduce Plaque
                           Fight Cavities
                            Reduces the secretion of Plaque Acids
                             Facilitates the Remineralization of Tooth Enamel
                              Fight and lessen the occurence of Inner Ear Infection
                                Increae Bone mass and density in animal studies


I some how don't think we ingest enough of it, to get these type of benefits, but who knows. (some scientist
does)   Just looking at the stick of gum I just popped in my mouth, somehow I don't think this is a cure all, but
it all adds up.  I read that xylitol  is actually produced in our bodies, up to 11 grams a day...interesting.  I wonder who discovered this?   I imagine there are lots of studies and research, but anyway, I am thankful.  When I first became diabetic there weren't many choices; Now it is crazy how many choices we have.


I am reading a book, now called Fat Cat, it is a YA fiction.  I bought it to tuck away, a summer read for my daughter. She is at a normal weight for her size, but the impact is about more than how you look, it is about how you feel and how others feel around you and pushing yourself into new experiences and eating healthier.
The choice word, is why I decided to discuss the book.    I didn't choose diabetes, I don't think anyone does. I have Type 1, the Juvenile kind,my disease is autoimmune, my body attacked my pancreas.   It effects a small amount of the population; Type 2 is adult onset, you gain some weight, likely less active, perhaps don't eat as you should. The  pancreas gets a bit tired and over worked and needs a vacation(medicine).  In my opinion the food pyramid in 1986, had a lot to do with this.   Lawyers wrote this pyramid, not dietitians, to benefit the country.   The farmers were losing money in wheat.  New pyramid was written, then wheat sales are up...the bottom of it should of explained in more detail.  The differences between simple and complex carbs.   Simple really doesn't have a lot of nutrition; Complex has nutrition and fiber, which helps the body function, in a more efficient manner.   In this book, the MC,  Cat, has to do this year long science project, you go before the teacher and pick a photo, can't show it to anyone or discuss it. She picks a photo of a cave woman, she is torn how to do this project, til it hits her.  This woman is lean, Hominin,  more of a vegan type diet, some meat, but not much. 

 There is even a diet similar to this Paleo ; Cat is over weight and could lose a few lbs. It is her Senior year in high school, she is evolving.  She goes all out for her project, no TV, computer time aloud in school and for homework only, no make up, no hair products, no cell phone, she walks everywhere.  There are a few exceptions.
  
Isn't it all about choice, what we eat, what we wear, what we do, when we do it and Why?!

I am just thankful we have so many choices, we aren't so limited, though sometimes we think we are.    I know a lot of the sugar free stuff I ingest, isn't as healthy, but my alternatives are a lot worse.  Perhaps I will try the Cave girl diet , see how long I can go without my artificial sweetener....wish me luck~     


I am also thankful I chose to do this A-Z blogging challenge, it has been sweet, but not in the artificial way.