In the News - March 2008
Chew on this: Gum may have health benefits
STAR CITY, Ark. - Chewing gum has an image problem: it sticks to soles,
fossilizes under tables and is almost always seen in the mouths of the cinema's
hoodlums and floozies.
"However, research shows chewing gum may have redeeming qualities," said Jane
Newton, Lincoln County family and consumer sciences agent for the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "It's certainly something to chew on during
March, which is National Nutrition Month."
A University of North Carolina study published in December shows that chewing
sugarless gum can help patients recover faster after bowel surgery.
Other research has shown that chewing gum can:
- Increase blood flow to the brain by 25 percent. A study published
in 2002 showed that chewing gum appeared to improve people's ability to
learn, retain and retrieve information.
- Help improve alertness and concentration and stresses. Many
professional athletes and coaches are famous for chewing gum on the
playing field. In schools today some teachers are reversing school
policies against chewing gum and encouraging their students to chew
during tests.
- Reducing tension. Psychiatrists and psychologists have suggested
two of the reasons people chew gum are to relieve boredom and reduce
tension. Chewing gum may help people release nervous energy and provide
an outlet for frustration and irritation.
Emerging science suggests that there may be a link between a ‘healthy mouth
and a healthy body. Scientists are exploring how reducing unhealthy bacteria in
the mouth may affect the overall health of the body.
"Chewing gum increases saliva, which is one of the most powerful defense
mechanisms in the body," Newton said. "Chewing sugar-free gum can deliver many
oral health benefits including helping to reduce plaque; reduce cavities;
re-mineralize enamel to strengthen teeth; and reduce and prevent stains on
teeth."
Scientists at the Mayo Clinic have observed that chewing gum can burn about
11 calories per hour. Since sugar-free chewing gum counts as a "free" food in
weight management food exchange lists, chewing gum can be a practical tool to
help avoid mindless munching and help manage weight. An initial study published
in 2007 found that chewing gum before a snack can help reduce hunger and
decrease caloric intake. Additionally,
- Pop a piece of gum in your mouth to signal the end of a meal.
- Chew gum between meals when you are feeling the urge for
high-calorie snacks.
- Chew gum while cooking to keep from nibbling during meal
preparation.
For more information on nutrition, visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
March 7, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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