Health Benefits Of Chewing Gum

One of Singapore's well-known laws is an outright ban on selling chewing gum. That's a shame because it means that Singaporeans don't get to reap the many recently discovered health benefits of chewing gum. From combating appetite to keeping stress at bay, chewing gum might be a bona fide health food.

Stress

The next time that looming deadline or public speaking engagement gets you anxious and stressed, reach for a stick of gum. In a study published in the June 2009 "Physiology & Behavior," chewing gum during stressful experiences can help you cope. In this study, a group of 40 volunteers were put under stressful conditions. Gum chewers experienced less physiological anxiety and biological stress than participants who didn't chew gum.

Memory

If you're having issues with memory, don't forget to chew gum. A study published in the May 2002 edition of "Appetite" found that chewing gum boosted performance on a memory test. The authors report that chewing gum might increase blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and recall performance.

Cavities

Cavities are a serious health problem that can lead to premature tooth loss, malnutrition and chronic pain. To prevent cavities, brush twice daily, eat a healthy diet and keep regular appointments with your dentist. Additionally, consider chewing sugar-free gum containing the sugar alcohol xylitol. A study published in the January 1998 "British Journal of Dentistry" found that xylitol blocked the activity of bad bacteria that contribute to cavity formation. Additionally, chewing gum increases saliva flow. Saliva blocks cavity-causing acid and remineralizes teeth.

Appetite

Dieting is an uphill battle if your rumbling stomach consistently leads you toward overeating. Chewing gum might be particularly beneficial for knocking out cravings for sweet foods like soda and candy, according to research published in the November 2006 issue of "Appetite." In this study, a group of research subjects were given gum before a buffet meal. Gum chewers ate 30 fewer calories at the buffet than a group that didn't chew gum beforehand. The gum-chewing group also reported lower levels of appetite and sweet cravings. If you're looking to lose weight, opt for sugar-free gum, which contains significantly fewer calories than sugary gum products.