But...Can you Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time?

New research is indicating that chewing gum offers the surprising health benefits!

Chewing gum improves memory

Psychologists say that chewing gum can help in improve memory and enhance cognitive powers. They found that people who chewed throughout tests produced significantly better scores than people who did not. Why? The activity in the area of our brain that is important for memory increases while people chew.

Chewing gum reduces symptoms of stress

Some teachers encourage students to chew gum during tests to help increase alertness and concentration.  (really?  This has changed sinc I was in scholl and gum was forbidden!) Psychiatrists and psychologists believe that chewing gum reduce tension and help to release nervous energy. Chewing gum may provide an outlet for frustration and irritation.
Recent research has shown that the rhythmic motion of chewing gum has a stress-reducing effect because relaxed and satisfied feelings.

Chewing gum helping to manage weight

Because there are only 5-10 calories per stick, gum can be considered a low- cal snack.  According to some studies the adults who chewed the gum ate 36 calories less at snacktime than adults who did not chew gum. Both regular and sugar free chewing gum helped the adults to eat less.
The physical act of gum chewing may help to reduce your cravings for high calorie snacks.  I always have a piece of gum after a meal and keep a stick handy for those late afternoon cravings. 

Chewing gum improves digestion

Chewing gum helps to improve intestinal mobility and also helps to increase saliva flow which promotes more frequent swallowing. This helps to prevent reflux of acid from the stomach back into the throat.

Chewing gum improves oral health

Studies show that chewing gum is good for oral health and teeth specifically. Chewing gum increases saliva, which is the most important component of oral health and powerful protector of the oral cavity.

Sugar free chewing gum has a number of dental benefits. Sugar free chewing gum doesn't cause tooth decay. It demineralises tooth enamel and has an antimicrobial effect. Those who chewed sugar free gum after eating had fewer cavities than those who did not.
Chewing gum freshens breath, whitens teeth by reducing stains and preventing stains from accumulating and reduces plaque.

Others benefits of chewing gum

Some people become more attentive and feel more alert when they chew gum. Chewing can take away sleepiness. Chewing gum that is sweetened with xylito doesn’t raise blood sugar. Also chewing gum has good taste.
As remind there is no standard effect on everyone. Therefore it is difficult to make a general rule that applies to everybody.


What if I swallow my gum?

Gum passes in its undigested form safely through the digestive tract into the colon where it can be excreted into the stool.  (In other words, you poop it out)  This process doesn’t take seven years, it usually exits a day or two after we eat it.

Please!  Dispose of your gum properly!!