I was surprised when I first came to know about the use of chewing for thousands of years. The sap of trees has been used in the form of chewing gums. Researchers from care plus hospital say that Synthetic rubbers are used to make chewing gum nowadays.
Chewing Gum – What is it?
I always love to chew bubble gum which is a soft and rubbery substance that is not to swallow. Different ingredients of chewing gums vary from brand to brand. The common ingredients of chewing are fillers, resin, gum, softener, preservatives, sweeteners, flavorings, etc.
Sweeteners that are used in chewing gums include sugar cane, corn syrup, and beet sugar. Some sugar-free gums contain artificial flavors. You can find almost every flavor as per your desire. Softeners are used to moisturize chewing gum and to avoid hardening. Resins help the chewing gum strengthening and help to hold it together. Fillers are used for chewing textures.
Many people ask whether the ingredients in chewing gum are safe or not. After many analyses, I have come with some facts that chewing gums contain only a small amount of controversial ingredients. You can say that chewing gums are not as harmful as people think.
What Are Those Ingredients?
Titanium Dioxide: For a smooth texture, the brand often uses this ingredient. Research also says that it is used to whiten the products, but only a small amount has nothing to do with your mental and physical health. Rat study about this ingredient was very dangerous.
Aspartame: It is an ingredient that is used in sugar-free products as a sweetener. Well, it is controversial and can cause obesity, headache, or many potential health problems. It is not confirmed that it has caused cancer yet, but it can be dangerous if the excess is used.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): You can call this ingredient an antioxidant that is used as a preservative in processed foods. It prevents fats. A high dose of BHT can be harmful to you and can do a lot to you, like cancer. But analysis hasn’t found such evidence yet.
Effect of Chewing Gum on Mental Health
Have you ever chewed gum while performing an important task? Well, studies have confirmed that chewing gum boosts mental health.
Chewing Gum Improves Memory and Decision Making
Having chewing gum while doing a task can help you perform 24% better and in a short duration. It also improves memory tests and long-term memory tests.
You can say that it is the best way to do a task in a short time. Having chewing gum can improve the level of your focus. There is not a complete study about how chewing gum improves memory, but it boosts blood flow.
Do you have stress issues? Try chewing gum because experts from Multan medical complex believe that it increases alertness and reduces depression.
A university study reveals that chewing gum for two weeks can reduce stress levels.
Chewing Gum – Weight Loss Remedy
Chewing gum is a solution to your weight gain problem. It is low in calories and gives a sweet taste. Studies say that chewing gum reduces the appetite that can prevent you from overeating.
Chewing Gum – Protect Teeth and Reduce Bad Breath
Chewing gum with sugar-free ingredients helps teeth and gives protection from cavities. Sugar-sweetened gums feed bad bacteria and damage your teeth. Sugar alcohol xylitol is more effective than other sugar-free gums.
Other Benefits of Chewing Gums
- Children with an ear infection should chew gum to avoid further progress as its ingredient xylitol avoids middle ear infections in children.
- You can use nicotine gums that help to quit smoking.
- Chewing gum boosts the healing process after operation.
Conclusion
Sugar-sweetened gum is not good for your teeth and can damage metabolic health. It is a fact that excess chewing gum can cause jaw problems and cause headaches.
