Facts that you didn’t know about Chewing Gums
Did you know that in just one year, 100,000 tons of chewing gum is consumed all over the world? It is no wonder that chewing gum easily makes it into the top list of billion-dollar businesses in countries spread globally. Besides boosting your ability to focus better, chewing gum is known for several other reasons. But how many facts about chewing gum are you aware of? According to our research, we found out that:
Chewing gums can be used as insect deterrent
Mint flavored chewing gum contains methanol as an additive. This has been found to keep insects and bugs away when placed near their source of interest. You have a basket full of ripe fruits and you can’t seem to find an effective way to keep the hovering flies away? Why not unwrap a piece of mint chewing gum and place it right next to your fruit basket. There, problem solved.
They are stronger Stimulant than Caffeine
Drinking coffee is great but chewing gum is even better. Studies reveal that regular chewing of gum can trigger your brain response to function better and stay sharp and increase awareness. Compared to caffeine, chewing gum can bring about better brain performance albeit for a limited amount of time while with caffeine the effects on the brain stay for longer.
Helps in alleviating ear pressure
When swimming most people end up with water in their ears. For one reason or another, the ear canal and sinuses may experience an imbalance in pressure which may, in turn, affect proper hearing and breathing. In the event that you experience these symptoms while swimming, chew on a piece of gum and feel the pressure in your ears slowly melting away. The same trick is useful to keep your ears from popping during a flight.
Can be a health hazard
Sugar is known as the main ingredient in chewing gum, up to about 70%. This is bad news for people who love their gum but are trying to lose weight. Sugar is infamous as an excellent source of calories. For this reason, you may opt to take sugar-free chewing gum some of which contain aspartame as a sweetener in place of sugar. Aspartame, however, has been linked to problems like
- Metabolic complications
- Headaches
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of contracting diabetes, among others.
When you need a chewing gum, gums without aspartame are available to keep you from experiencing such health problems.
Solution to healthy teeth and bad breath
Sugar-free gum made with Xylitol as a sweetener is recommended for people struggling with bad breath. Studies show that this gum helps eliminate bacteria responsible for tooth decay and bad breath with up to 75% reduction in the amount of bacteria present. If you are one of those guys who eat chewing gum to hide bad breath, opt for sugar-free gum as normal gum contains sweeteners that can feed bacteria in the mouth leading to more serious cavities and resulting bad breath.
Reduces stress
It is common to see the coach chewing gum during a soccer match. Could be, he is doing it for fun or is in on a secret that chewing gum actually reduces stress. Chewing has been found to help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone in the body. For someone who is about to go for an interview or sit for a test, you will notice that you are less nervous and stressed by chewing some gum.
A quick solution for nausea, and acid reflux
After finishing a meal, one may find themselves battling with acid reflux. Chewing gum increases the amount of saliva in our mouths and swallowing the saliva helps wash off acid from the esophagus hence offering a faster solution to acid reflux. Be sure to keep from taking peppermint flavored gum when trying to clear acidity as this may worsen your situation. On the other hand, if you are pregnant, or suffer from motion sickness chewing herbal gums or sugarless gum helps relieve nausea.
Encourages better eating habits
Taking a stick of gum as opposed to dessert after a meal, for instance, offers a low-calorie alternative that helps keep your weight in check. Chewing gum has been proven to reduce cravings for certain foods which ultimately means that you end up consuming less. Gum also serves as a great alternative snack in between meals as opposed to taking other unhealthy, calorie-filled snacks. As long as you do it in moderation, chewing gum can be very beneficial. Be careful not to overdo it as excess chewing has been linked to jaw pain.
A notorious false fact that many mothers use to keep their children from eating chewing gum is that it remains in your stomach for years. The truth, however, is that gum is incapable of sticking anywhere on your gastrointestinal tract. Chewing gum is made of fiber that cannot be digested, it simply goes through the system and eventually finds its way out.