Research indicates that chewing gum may have health benefits.
In an April 22, 2009 report on CNN Health online, author A. Chris Gajilan wrote that research funded by the Wrigley Science Institute (that was to be presented at the 2009 Experimental Biology meeting), shows that chewing gum offers health benefits. However, there appear to be no standard benefits that apply to everyone.
Improved Memory
Psychologists found that people who chewed gum during tests scored significantly higher than persons who did not. Chewing gum helps improve memory by enhancing cognitive powers, states ChewingGumFacts. The website goes on to report that activity in the hippocampus area of the brain, which deals with memory, increases while people chew.
Stress and Tension Relief
The act of chewing gum helps relieve stress and tension, according to Pioneer Thinking. Research indicates that chewing gum possibly stimulates certain areas of the brain, as measured by an EEG, which may have a relationship to tension reduction. Psychiatrists and psychologists believe that chewing gum reduces tension and helps release nervous energy. Chewing gum may provide an outlet for frustration and irritation, according to ChewingGumFacts.
Decreased Hunger and Cravings
Researchers at Louisiana State University took 115 people who regularly chewed gum and fed them lunch. The subjects, who chewed gum three times hourly after lunch, did not consume as many high-calorie snacks. Respondents also reported decreased hunger and fewer cravings for sweet foods. Paula Geiselman, Ph.D, the lead researcher on the project and a physiological psychologist, reported that having something in the mouth likely calms the appetite.
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