Net Carbs

Counting net carbs is based on the premise that certain carbohydrates contribute to increased blood glucose (sugar) levels, while other do not. Low carb diets (such as the Atkins diet) consider fiber, sugar alcohols, and other such carbohydrates to be "non-impact carbs," meaning that our bodies can't metabolize or use them, so they simply don't count. Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbohydrate grams and subtracting those from fiber and sugar alcohol. The remaining carbs are considered the given product's net carbs.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Depending on their individual molecular buildup, carbohydrates behave in different ways in the body. Most carbs are digested and turned into blood sugar, table sugar itself being the best example. Such carbs provide about 4 calories per gram. Other carbohydrates, however, are digested by our bodies but are not turned into glucose. These are most commonly known as polyols. Still other carbs, like fiber, simply pass through our bodies as waste. For this reason, only carbohydrates that are used by the body are counted as net carbs.

A common polyol, Xylitol, not only helps you keep those net carbs low, it also provides a number of health benefits as well. Xylitol is an all-natural carbohydrate commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It tastes and looks like sugar but with 40% of the calories. As mentioned earlier, because xylitol is a polyol and has a low glycemic index of 7, it doesn't count as part of your net carbs but retains many of the benefits of sugar. Because of its low G index, xylitol creates very little insulin response. This is particularly important for diabetics and persons with hypoglycemia.

In addition, xylitol is a natural bacteria fighter. Clinical trials have found that regular use of xylitol products helps manage and avoid dental decay and common ear and nasal problems, including ear and sinus infections. When xylitol is introduced to harmful bacteria (specifically Strep pneumo and H Flu), the bacteria lose their ability to adhere to membranes of the nose and throat and are not able to grow. Unlike most antibiotics which kill the majority of bacteria and leave the resistant, super bacteria behind, xylitol merely flushes harmful bacteria away.

Xlear Inc. has developed a number of xylitol based products that help you keep net carbs to a minimum and increase your overall health. Xylitol based sweetener, Xylosweet? is a great alternative to sugar and can actually reduce the development of dental cavities. Spry? Chewing Gum and Mints are sugar free and clean your teeth and mouth after meals. Xlear? Nasal Wash flushes away pollutants, allergens, and infections in nasal passages that can lead to ear and sinus infections. Best of all, these products are sweetened with all-natural xylitol and never add to your net carb intake.

For more information and solutions for your life, visit Xlearinc.com.