Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar and Oral Health
Unlike refined white sugar, Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar (kokutō) is minimally processed, retaining more natural compounds that may support oral health and overall wellness.
Recent studies highlight that Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar contains powerful plant compounds called polyphenols, such as saponarin, schaftoside, and isoschaftoside, which can boost saliva production. Healthy salivary glands and saliva play key roles in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Saliva helps protect teeth, aids digestion, and keeps your mouth comfortable. Research shows the polyphenols in Okinawa Dark Brown Sugar can assist to improve blood flow to salivary glands, increase cell energy, and reduce oxidative stress, all of which enhance saliva secretion [1][2]. This may be especially helpful for people with dry mouth conditions like xerostomia, supporting overall oral health [3].
Beyond oral health, Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar's antioxidant properties and nutrients may offer broader health benefits, including immune support and anti-inflammatory effects [4].
For a natural way to sweeten foods and potentially support oral health, explore Haitai’s Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar products.
Haitai's Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar Rocks
Haitai's Okinawan Dark Brown Sugar Powder
References
- Supriya, S., et al. (2023). Effects of polyphenols in non-centrifugal cane sugar on saliva secretion. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 72(2), 171–182. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.22-114
- Nishioka, T., et al. (2023). Non-centrifugal cane sugar polyphenols enhance salivary gland function. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10017321/
- Nakajima, Y., et al. (2024). Potential role of Okinawan brown sugar in managing xerostomia. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10380232/
- Jaffé, W. R. (2012). Health Effects of Non-Centrifugal Sugar (NCS): A Review. Sugar Tech, 14(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-012-0145-1