Xylitol—a sugar substitute found in gum, candy, baked goods, and even toothpaste—is often seen as a smarter swap for people trying to cut back on sugar. But new research from nearly 18,000 participants is raising questions about that assumption, linking high blood levels of xylitol to a greater risk of serious cardiovascular events.¹

The research team compared people with the highest blood levels of xylitol to those with the lowest levels to see the difference in their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as death, heart attack, or stroke.

• In the people followed for 6 years, those with the highest xylitol levels had a 57% higher risk of a major cardiovascular event compared to those with the lowest levels
• In the cohort followed for 30 years, the risk was 18% higher among those with the highest xylitol levels compared to the lowest.

Data across levels showed that the higher someone's blood xylitol, the higher their cardiovascular event rate. This complicates the prevailing narrative that sugar substitutes are an automatic health win.

Click here to read more about how this sugar free sweetener raises cardiovascular risk.

+Heart-healthy foods

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• This nutrient improves 4 areas of heart health
• This diet cuts heart disease risk by 20%
• 2 fruits that boost heart health

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This week, Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D., MsC, joined Jason on the mindbodygreen podcast to talk about all things health and longevity. His take? You don’t need a wearable fitness tracker to tell you how you’re feeling. The habits you repeat matter far more than what you record.

+More food for thought

• Why willpower fails & habits win for health
• Is social connection the most important aspect of health?
• The effect of "maxxing" culture on mental health
• How longevity science differs for men vs. women

With consistent use, 81% of women using Womaness Let’s Neck saw improvement in fine lines and creases on the neck and chest. PEPHA-TIGHT® (microalgae) forms a thin film on skin that gives an immediate tightening effect and long-term firming.