A person chewing gum. photo/i.huffpost.com
Chewing gum is definitely a fun little treat that gives you an enjoyable oral fixation for hours. Gum has also yielded a lot of interesting creative endeavors; people have made some pretty interesting things out of gum wrappers. But did you know that gum can also be good for you, not just a fun treat to enjoy while working?
Improves concentration
Now that we increasingly rely on technology, it’s easy to get distracted with all of the articles and images online. However, popping a piece of gum into your mouth may be able to help you concentrate more. The repetition and the monotonous chewing helps people’s minds stay alert; gum chewers have been shown to have quicker reaction times and a great ability to recall facts according to a study.
Protects and whitens teeth
Studies have shown that having sugar-free gum after meals can help neutralize acids that can be harmful to your teeth. Chewing gum also increases saliva production, which helps wash away food particles that can fester in between teeth. However, sugary gum can potentially have the opposite effect on teeth, and anyone who is experiencing jaw pain or clicking should refrain for chewing.
Combats stress
Some studies have shown that chewing gum reduces the stress hormone cortisol, making it an easy way to make you a little less stressed. And since it can help you concentrate, it’s easier to achieve a bit of a meditative effect with the monotonous chewing; it's sort of like an offshoot of deep breathing.
Keeps you alert and awake
The constant chewing when you’re snacking on a piece of gum actually stimulates your facial muscles. This promotes blood flow around your body since it is not a voluntary bodily reaction like blinking. The blood flow will keep your alert and focused when you are doing something long and boring like driving long distances.
Manages your weight
Sugar-free gum is a great way to curb eating cravings because it acts as a basically calorie-free snack that you can chew on for hours. It is also super effective at curbing cravings and addictions, making it easier to resist unhealthy snacks. Though it won’t help you shed significant weight on its own, it can help you make more beneficial small decisions, which will lead to healthier habits.
Improves digestion
Don’t get me wrong swallowing gum will likely not help your digestive system one bit. But the saliva that you produce from chewing builds up acid in your stomach. This will help your body digest foods more efficiently!
Sharpens your memory
Gum’s aforementioned ability to improve our concentration can also help our short term memory. Chewing also improves blood flow because your muscles are engaged, so this means that more blood is being pumped to the brain!
Freshens Breath
This is definitely a no-brainer; when you need to freshen your breath but don’t have a toothbrush handy, gum is the easiest, most effective way. The mint flavor in most gums masks any unpleasant smells, while the excess saliva helps wipe out.