THE SUGARY SUBSTANCE DENTISTS ACTUALLY RECOMMEND XYLITOL STARVES THE BAD BACTERIA IN YOUR MOUTH
If you’ve ever seen the 1971 classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” then you are familiar with the fictional sugar-filled labyrinth fromwhich some of the most scrumdiddlyumptious sweets are
to insulin resistance, weight gain, risk of heart disease and cancer, and several other serious health-related issues.
WHY DO DENTISTS RECOMMEND IT? Many dentists recommend using xylitol-sweetened chewing gum— no, not the kind that turned Violet into a giant blueberry. Studies indicate that xylitol can prevent tooth decay. One of the leading risk factors for tooth decay is a type of oral bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. Having traces of this bacteria on your teeth is normal, but when there is an abundance, your immune system starts attacking it. These attacks often lead to inflammatory gum diseases that can cause gingivitis. To stay alive, these bacteria feed on sugar from the food you eat, but oddly, they can’t process xylitol. If you replace your sugar intake with xylitol, the bacteria will still eat it, but their energy pathways will become clogged and they will starve.
delivered to the world’s candy stores. To children, the chocolate river, Everlasting Gobstoppers, and Fizzy Lifting Drinks are the mouthwatering epitome of fun, but adults might look at all that sugar and run away screaming. According to the American
Diabetes Association, added sugar may be the unhealthiest aspect of the modern diet. Fortunately, the natural sweetener xylitol provides a healthier alternative.
WHAT IS XYLITOL? Xylitol is a white, crystallized sugar alcohol. It looks and tastes like sugar, but it has fewer calories and only has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels. You can find small amounts of it in many fruits and vegetables, which is why many define it as “natural.” You can also find xylitol in birch trees, but more often than not, scientists make it in a lab using the plant fiber xylan. Xylitol is considered a healthier choice than fructose, especially high fructose corn syrup, which spikes blood sugar and insulin levels. This spike can lead
It is not often that a dentist recommends that their patients chew on sweets, but consuming this sugar can do wonders for your teeth and gums.
SPICED PUMPKIN SEED CRUNCH
LAUGHING GAS
This recipe combines pumpkin seeds, a seasonal favorite, with cashews, sunflower seeds, and spices. It’s a perfect homemade snack for the fall.
INGREDIENTS
•
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
•
1 large egg white
•
1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped
•
1 teaspoon light agave syrup
•
1/2 teaspoon garammasala or curry powder
•
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
•
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
•
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Heat oven to 300 F.
2.
Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg white, agave, salt, and spices. Add nuts and seeds and toss until evenly coated. 4. Using a slotted spoon, strain spoonfuls of mixture over bowl and transfer to baking sheet. Discard excess egg white mixture. 5. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing once. 6. Let cool and serve. Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
3
(208) 939-4111
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs