Chewing gum health benefits

Introduction

Several studies have been conducted, in order to show that chewing gums offer some rather surprising health benefits. Not all benefits may apply to everyone, because each person is different. Individual responses to chewing gums may differ greatly from person to person. Chewing gums may be very efficient in improving the memory, improving oral health, reducing the stress, manage the weight, increase the concentration, enhance the alertness and increase the focus, among other things.

Chewing gum improves memory

Many psychologists claim that chewing gum may be of great help when it comes to enhancing one’s cognitive powers and improving the memory. Those who chew on the gum always had better scores throughout certain tests. The memory gets improved because of the continuous chewing and the motion of the jaw. The hippocampus is the area of the brain which is in charge of memory and its activity gets increased during the act of chewing. This may occur due to the insulin receptors which are located in the hippocampus. Chewing on a gum increases the levels of glucose very efficiently, which fuels both the mind and the body. Chewing on a gum is also associated with an increased heart rate and a better oxygen delivery to the brain. It all leads to the enhancement of the cognitive powers of a person. The blood flow to the brain may get increased by up to 40 percent in some cases. The right and left hemispheres work well together during the process of chewing. Chewing gum also induces an enhanced disposal of carbon dioxide.

Chewing gum reduces symptoms of stress

Psychologists and psychiatrists claim that chewing gum may be of great help when it comes to reducing the stress, decreasing the tension, releasing the nervous energy, increasing the concentration and enhancing the alertness. Chewing gums provide a satisfied feeling, relaxation and an outlet for irritation and frustration.

Chewing gum helping to manage weight

Chewing gums contain low amounts of calories and they are therefore a very beneficial type of snack. They can be of great help in reducing the appetite of a person and the cravings for high calorie food items.

Chewing gum improves digestion

Chewing gums promote the secretion of saliva, improve the intestinal motility and reduce the risk of acid reflux.

Chewing gum improves oral health

Chewing gums are also very beneficial for the overall health of the teeth, gums and other parts of the oral cavity.