In this article we will tell you how common chewing gum affects the body. Is it worth chewing and is there any benefit? Learn fun facts about chewing gum. All people, since antiquity, constantly chewed something. It could be the resin of trees, leaves with aromas, tobacco, etc. This gave the breath a fresh aroma, left a pleasant taste in the mouth and even helped to fight unpleasant plaque on the teeth. But at that time there was no such thing as chewing gum, and it gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century. During this period, people became so carried away by chewing it that manufacturers began to produce chewing gum in a wide variety of forms: colored, with different tastes and different sizes.
The gum base is rubber and is used to make all kinds of chewing gum. It is he who gives the elastic consistency to this product. Despite the fact that this component is of natural origin, it is also used for the application of rubber and even glue. In addition, latex, which is also included in its composition, gives an elastic base to the gum. Everything else is all sorts of dyes, flavors and flavor enhancers that make the gum sweet and aromatic. In fact, having studied this composition, it is difficult to find any benefit in this product, but despite this, multiple studies of chewing gum have shown that it can be useful in some cases.
The benefits of chewing gum
- Chewing gum helps with weight loss. The teachings have found that chewing common chewing gum significantly speeds up the metabolism in the body. And with the help of chewing gum, you can forget about appetite for a while, because when chewing, nerve endings are stimulated. They transmit a signal to the brain that a person is full.
- Chewing gum affects memory. Some say that chewing gum significantly dulls memory, a person can instantly forget about what he needs to do or where he put something 5 minutes ago. Indeed, as studies by English psychologists have shown, regular chewing of this product impairs short-term memory. But other scientists in this field have found that chewing gum stimulates the production of insulin, it is he who is responsible for the activity of the brain region, which not only improves memory, but also helps to awaken the oldest memories.
- Chewing can massage your gums and clean your teeth. Of course, the effect is nowhere near the same as brushing and toothpaste. But due to the fact that the gum is elastic and sticky, it can remove food debris on the teeth. This is why some dentists recommend chewing gum immediately after meals.
- Scientists have shown that chewing gum can be soothing and can be chewed well under stress. This is due to the fact that in the process of chewing, a person experiences feelings of satisfaction and calmness. He experienced similar sensations when he was in infancy, and he was soothed by a pacifier and sucking on his mother's breast.
- Chewing gum helps eliminate unpleasant supply from the mouth. Of course, its effect is short-lived, but still there is a result. Today there are many types of chewing gum and they are also directly produced specifically to have a fresh and pleasant breath.
Chewing gum harm
- Chewing gum is not a substitute for brushing your teeth or protects against tooth decay. Dentists say that you cannot brush your teeth with an eraser, and also assure that it will not protect against the appearance of caries, since it does not appear on the chewing surfaces. Also, in the process of chewing, it has the ability to destroy fillings, harm crowns and bridges.
- The gum contains a substance called aspartame. In certain concentrations, it is dangerous for people and can cause the development of dangerous diseases.
- Many people think that it can help get rid of bad breath. But in reality this is not the case, it can give freshness only for a few minutes, and so it is completely useless.
- Children and pregnant women are strictly prohibited from chewing gum. The doctrine established that it contains substances that are of great danger.
- Long-term chewing of gum leads to diseases such as gastritis and stomach ulcers. This is due to the fact that when chewing, gastric juice is produced and a large amount of it irritates the stomach, which is the reason for the development of this disease. It is recommended to chew it after meals and no more than 5 minutes.
- Considering that the gum contains many dyes and flavors, it is not advisable to use it. Indeed, as you know, such substances have a detrimental effect not only on the internal state of a person, but also on the condition of nails, hair and skin.
What can replace chewing gum?
- Resin from different trees is considered a good mouth freshener, in addition, it also strengthens the gums well, it was used in ancient times.
- Chewing coffee beans eliminates bad breath because they contain nutrients that kill bacteria.
- Leaves of mint and parsley are used in order to dampen hunger a little and, of course, to freshen the breath. Herbs contain vitamins that dull appetite and do absolutely no harm.
- Chewing gum is considered a good substitute for chewing gum. It can be made at home using any fruit, sugar and water. Such marmalade does not harm the child and with its help he will be able to forget about the existence of gum.
We've found that gum can be both harmful and beneficial. It is useful to chew it after eating, with its help food is well digested, and teeth are freed from its remnants. Some gums have whitening ingredients that make your teeth look white and beautiful after drinking coffee or red wine.
If you use a lot of chewing gum, then it can be harmful and dangerous to your health. Chewing on an empty stomach can lead to ulcers or gastritis. Also, various additives that are contained in it can cause allergies in some people. Chewing gum should be consumed in moderation so as not to harm health.
Learn more about the benefits and harms of regular chewing gum in this video:
