October 2008 Newsletter

 Visit Healthy You Naturally

Healthy You Naturally Newsletter

What The Heck Is Xylitol?

Diane McLaren of Healthy You Naturally

Chocolate, Mints & Chewing Gum, Ahhh, Nature’s Sweet Life ...

Most people have a “sweet tooth” and many love their chocolate.  Chocolate is more than a snack – it is an indulgence and a reward.  Used by the natives of ancient Mesoamerica, chocolate has been recognized for centuries for its ability to give energy, restore vitality and stimulate the pleasure centers in the brain.  

When adopting a healthier lifestyle, it usually means giving up both sugar and chocolate but this month we want to introduce you to a product that's been around a long time, but it's only recently received consumer attention.

Is Xylitol Natural?

The name Xylitol (Zi-LA-Tol) may conjure up images of a mad scientist mixing some exotic new chemical compound in a laboratory or perhaps the image of some distant planet in some science fiction story.  In reality, neither is true.  A natural compound, Xylitol looks and tastes just like sugar. It is found naturally in many common fruits and vegetables, and it is even produced in our bodies during normal metabolism.

Sweet With Bacteria Fighting Properties

Xylitol is as sweet as sugar but carries none of the health concerns of sugar and artificial sweeteners which makes it completely safe for both children and adults. 

  • While regular sugar can wreak havoc on the body, Xylitol heals and repairs
  • While sugar is acid-forming in the body, Xylitol is alkaline-enhancing resulting in better health

Unlike most sugar molecules which are based on a six-carbon structure, Xylitol is based on five carbon atoms.  Because of its distinctive structure, bacteria cannot utilize Xylitol for energy.    Xylitol's chemical configuration also inhibits the body’s ability to fully metabolize it, making it the perfect sweetener for those concerned with blood sugar balance, weight loss or carb counting.

More Good News:  Xylitol Can Be Beneficial To Your Health Too

Xylitol as a product was first derived from Birch trees in Finland in the 19th century and was popularized in Europe as a safe sweetener for diabetics that would not impact insulin levels.

Diabetes

Possessing approximately 40% less food energy(calories), Xylitol is a low-calorie alternative to refined and artificial sugars. Absorbed more slowly than sugar, it doesn't contribute to high blood sugar levels or the resulting hyperglycemia caused by insufficient insulin response.

Osteoporosis

Xylitol also appears to have potential as a treatment for osteoporosis. A group of Finnish researchers have found that dietary Xylitol prevents weakening of bones in laboratory rats, and actually improves bone density.

Ear and upper respiratory infections

Studies have also shown that Xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear infections as the act of chewing and swallowing assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing the middle ear, whilst the presence of Xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the tubes which connect the nose and ear.

Candida yeast

A recent report suggests that consumption of Xylitol may help control oral infections of Candida yeast; in contrast, galactose, glucose and sucrose may increase proliferation.

Improves Your Dental Health Too

Decades of scientific research and over 1,500 published papers have confirmed that Xylitol can improve dental health.  Studies have repeatedly shown that incorporating Xylitol-rich products in sufficient quantities (8-10 grams of Xylitol) into your daily routine has substantial oral health benefits.

When used regularly, Nature’s Sweet Life products provide a rich source of Xylitol that has been shown in clinical studies to be non-cariogenic (does not cause or promote avities).

Regular use of Xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque – the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation and tooth staining – and promote better oral health.

This month we're very pleased to announce a new line of products called Nature's Sweet Life which harness the health benefits of Xylitol.  These handy products also make great gifts. Chocolate bars, gums and mints.

NSP Nutritional Supplement Features

>> Nature's Sweet Life Chocolate Bars

Nature’s Sweet Life Dark chocolate Bar. Indulge in delicious chocolate without the calories and oral detriment of sugar. Unlike typical candy bars, these chocolate bars provide nutrients that benefit the body.

Benefits:

  • 55% pure cocoa which has many flavonoids and anti-oxidant properties
  • Has a great chocolate taste with no artificial aftertaste.
  • Contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than normal chocolate bars.
  • Is safe for diabetics, hypoglycemics, children and pregnant women.
  • Contains 35% of the recommended daily value of calcium.

Our dark chocolate bar is packed with antioxidants and sweetened with all-natural Xylitol. Xylitol’s unique molecular structure translates to a very limited effect on blood sugar levels , making it the perfect sweetener for those concerned with blood sugar balance, weight loss or carb counting.

  • The Raspberry Cardio Bar (#5450-4) 36g each, box of 28 bars, Just $2.50 each
    Contains cardio-friendly ingredients like vitamin E, co-enzyme Q10, vitamin B12, flax seeds (source of omega-3 fatty acids) and vitamin C  
  • The Calcium Crunch Bar (#5451-0) 36g each, box of 28 bars, Just $2.50 each
    Contains 350 mg of calcium, 130 mg phosphorus and 115 mg magnesium -         Supports the structural system

>> Nature's Sweet Life Xylitol Mints

Benefits:

  • Promotes oral health.
  • Freshens breath.

Nature’s Sweet Life Xylitol Mints freshen the mouth and actually help promote oral health. Lactic acid, the most damaging acid for your teeth, is produced by the fermentation of sugar by bacteria. However, bacteria can’t ferment Xylitol, which results in less tooth-destroying acid and promotes an inhospitable environment for unwanted microorganisms.

  • Mint - Lemon Flavour (240) (#5415-1) (Large format 240/pkg) Just $14.21

Use after or between meals to freshen breath and promote dental health.

>> Nature's Sweet Life Xylitol Chewing Gum

Benefits:

  • Promotes oral health.
  • Freshens breath.

Nature’s Sweet Life Xylitol Gum freshens breath, cleans teeth and promotes dental health with all of the flavour and none of the harmful effects of sugar-laden gum. Chewing gum after a meal stimulates the production of saliva, which washes the teeth and neutralizes harmful acid produced by bacteria.

Regular use of Xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque—the first stage of cavity development, tartar formation and tooth staining—and promote better oral health.

  • Gum – Cinnamon Flavour (100) (#5400-8) (100/pkg) Just $11.36
  • Gum – Spearmint Flavour (100) (#5405-0) (100/pkg) Just $11.36

Chew after or between meals to freshen breath and promote oral health.

Our holistic health consulting services can provide you with a simple plan focused exclusively on solving your individual needs.  No calories to count and no hunger pangs, just a solid nutritional approach to achieving your long-term health goals including our 7 golden rules. 

Want to order - drop us a note or call.  Products are available in the USA and Canada.

Call us at (905) 855-3000
or write anytime ...

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Tasty Recipe Of The Month

Delicious Banana Loaf

1 c.+ mashed ripe organic bananas
1 c.- sucanat (unrefined cane sugar)
1/4 c. olive oil (extra-virgin, cold pressed, 1st pressure)
          or can use 1/4 c. of organic apple sauce instead (still very moist without any fat)
1/2 c. organic sour cream or low-fat plain organic yogurt
2 organic or free-range eggs
3/4 c. organic spelt flour or brown rice flour
3/4 c. organic unbleached hard white flour
1 tsp. organic baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
 
In large mixing bowl, combine banana, sucanat, oil or apple sauce, sour cream or yogurt, eggs, mix thoroughly.  In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Add to banana mixture, mixing just until combined.
 
Pour into greased (w/butter) 9x5 inch (2L) loaf pan.
Bake in 325F for 1 to 1 1/4 hrs. or until tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan 5 min. before turning out onto rack to cool completely.
Slice to serve.  Add butter if desired.
 
Make 1 loaf.  Wonderful with home-made bowl of soup OR as breakfast OR as a snack.
 
Bon appétit!

Thank you for allowing us to share this information with you.  It's important we are all aware of the options and impacts our lifestyle choices has on our health. 

We invite you to share this newsletter (or link) with anyone you feel might have an interest in a natural approach to health.

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"You are invited to discover for yourself just how effective and rewarding a natural approach to health can be" - Diane McLaren

Published Since 1994 © Copyright Healthy You Naturally 1994-2008
2126 Burnhamthorpe Road W. 98090 Mississauga ON. L5L 5V4 Canada (905) 855-3000

This newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a tool for diagnosing or prescribing.