TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 1, 2014) - XYLITOL CANADA® (TSX VENTURE:XYL) -

The top nutrition priority for 2014 should be to reduce the amount of sugar we consume urges Dr. Natasha Turner, a leading Naturopathic Doctor, bestselling author of The Hormone Diet, The Supercharged Hormone Diet, and The Carb Sensitivity Program and regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show.

"North Americans consume more than 700 pounds of added sugar each year (110 grams/day according to Statistics Canada) which is slowly killing them," says Dr. Natasha Turner. "We know consuming too much sugar suppresses the immune system, contributes to hyperactivity, anxiety and depression and increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure among other things."

To help make 2014 the healthiest year yet, Dr. Turner's top recommendation is to substitute regular sugar, fructose and artificial sweeteners with healthy sugar alternatives.

"For the New Year I recommend people switch to stevia, coconut sweetener or better yet, xylitol, a true, natural sweetener that promotes dental health and stabilizes insulin and hormone levels," says Dr. Turner. "Xylitol also has 40 per cent fewer calories and 75 per cent fewer carbohydrates than sugar. I prefer the Xyla brand of xylitol as it's made from sustainable North American Hardwood, not corn from overseas."

Available in thousands of stores across North America, Xyla xylitol is derived from nature and made from100% sustainable North American Hardwood. Xyla is non-GMO, wheat free, gluten free, vegan, and diabetic friendly and Xyla looks, tastes, cooks and bakes just like sugar. For healthy tips and sugar-free recipes visit the XylitolCanada.com blog.

ABOUT DR. NATASHA TURNER

Dr. Natasha Turner is North America's leading naturopathic doctor and founder of the Clear Medicine Wellness Boutique in Toronto, Canada. Her passion for promoting wellness, fitness and integrated medicine makes her a sought-after speaker for corporations, the public and the education of other medical professionals. Dr. Turner is a regular contributor for various magazine and television programs as a natural health expert and author of the bestselling books: The Hormone Diet, The Supercharged Hormone Diet, and The Carb Sensitivity Program

ABOUT XYLA® / XYLITOL CANADA® (TSX VENTURE:XYL)

Xylitol Canada is a global leader and innovator in converting sustainable biomass derived from North American Hardwood into high-value consumer products.

The company is working towards a first of its kind integrated bio-refinery in North America that will have the capabilities to manufacture 10,000 tonnes of xylose annually, which can be made into xylitol or sold to the burgeoning bio-chemical market. Research and development investment in new xylitol sources will help drive company-wide vertical integration.

The company's headquarters are in Toronto, Canada. For more information about Xyla recipes, products, news and the store locator visit: www.XylitolCanada.com or connect socially at:

Twitter: twitter.com/XylaXylitol

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