Chew Gum for Surprising Health Benefits

category: MyDocHub,Nutrition & Wellness
by Priscilla,

According to experts, chewing gum is the No.1 snack choice for adults in the United States, but beyond tasting great and freshening breath, recent research shows that chewing gum may help reduce calorie intake, increase focus and concentration, help relieve stress and improve oral health.

Here are a few ways you can experience the benefits of chewing:

Make Calories Count – Chewing gum can help reduce daily calorie intake as a substitute for high-calorie snacks. For example, trading a 5 calorie stick of Wrigley’s Extra chewing gum for a daily, high-calorie snack containing 140 calories could help save 135 calories per day. And, a study out of Glasgow Caledonian University shows that chewing gum before snacking can help reduce hunger, diminish cravings for sweets, and decrease intake of an afternoon snack by 36 calories.

Increase Focus and Concentration – Studies have found that chewing gum may be an effective way to boost focus and concentration; blood flow to the brain may increase by 25 percent when chewing gum.

Relieve Everyday Stress – Results of a recent study from the Wrigley Science Institute show that gum chewers were more calm and relaxed in dealing with life’s everyday stresses when they chewed gum. One hypothesis is that the act of chewing releases nervous energy.

Improve Oral Health – The use of sugarfree chewing gum has been clinically proven to strengthen teeth, reduce the development of plaque and help reduce cavities.

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