Although many people think that chewing gum is bad for their health, there are some health benefits of it. Chewing gum can help improve your dental health and boost your brain power!
Next time you take a piece of gum, you will feel good knowing that you are doing your body and mind good! Check out 7 cognitive benefits of chewing gum>.
1. Reduce cravings
Chewing gum curbs your appetite and reduces your cravings for sweets. A study conducted by Louisiana State
University showed that chewing gum can help reduce cravings for sweets. Today we have great flavored gum like root beer float, strawberry shortcake or mint chocolate chip, and it’s easier to curb our sweet tooth by chewing gum!
2. Improve digestion
According to Fitday, chewing gum that contains xylitol before or after a meal can improve digestion. Chewing gum helps your body to create more saliva that then produces more acid in your stomach and helps you to digest food more efficiently. Chewing gum also can help prevent acid reflux.
3. Improve concentration
Chewing gum can help you improve your concentration. It increases blood circulation and oxygen flow to your brain, and that helps your memory. Numerous studies have shown that chewing gum stimulates the hippocampus that can increase short-term memory up to 35% and helps to regulate memory.
4. Keep you awake
If you go in to school or work drowsy, grab a piece of gum to wake you up! Studies showed that chewing mint-flavored gum can help you feel and look more awake.
Coventry University conducted studies that found that chewing gum reduces feeling of lethargy and keeps you more alert. So the next time you have an early morning class or meeting, don’t forget to grab some gum!
5. Protect your teeth
We have always been told to brush our teeth right after eating. I’m not that disciplined, that’s why I often chew some gum instead! The American Dental Association says that chewing gum after eating and drinking can help to increase production of saliva and wash away bacteria and debris from your mouth.
6. Reduce stress
The next time you feel tense and stressed, try chewing gum. I know, there are many healthy ways to reduce stress, but if you are pressed for time and you can’t get out and enjoy some fresh air, chew a piece of gum instead. Researchers in Japan found that chewing gum relieved anxiety and low levels of cortisol in saliva.
7. Improve performance
The same researchers in Japan also found that chewing gum can improve performance of multi-tasking activities. The Cardiff University found that chewing gum can also increase intellectual performance.
There are many cognitive benefits of chewing gum, from freshening your breath to quelling boredom. Now you know all reasons to chew gum!
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