Concept:

Chewing gum has been linked to various benefits such as improved cognitive function, stress relief, and appetite control. However, it’s important to note that excessive gum-chewing can lead to jaw problems, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.

Supporting Data:

Chewing gum in many forms has existed since the Neolithic period. 6,000-year-old chewing gum made from birch bark tar, with tooth imprints, has been found in Kierikki in Finland. The tar from which the gums were made is believed to have antiseptic properties. The Aztec, as well as the ancient Maya before them as well as the Ancient Greeks chewed mastic gum, made from the resin of the mastic tree which has antiseptic properties and is believed to have been used to maintain oral health.

Although chewing gum can be traced back to civilizations around the world, the modernization and commercialization of this product mainly took place in 1848, when John B. Curtis developed and sold the first commercial chewing gum called The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum.

Brain function

A review about the cognitive advantages of chewing gum found strong evidence of improvement for the following cognitive domains: working memory, episodic memory and speed of perception. However, the improvements were only evident when chewing took place prior to cognitive testing. The precise mechanism by which gum chewing improves cognitive functioning is however not well understood. The cognitive improvements after a period of chewing gum have been demonstrated to last for 15–20 minutes and decline afterwards.

In 2013 a study was carried out by researchers from the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) and other academic research centres in Japan. “Chomping on gum is good for the brain and can boost alertness by 10%.”

In 2009, the University of Oldenburg, published a study called Chewing Gum and Concentration Performance. “Chewing gum,” they say, “had a significant and positive effect on concentration performance.”

Comfort eating

There is another by-product which is anxiety reduction. Have you ever been anxious and hungry at the same time? Nearly impossible. As with laughter, anger and gratitude, it is difficult to feel anxious in certain states. Hunger conflicts with the fight or flight response as our subconscious internal operating system can only think of hunger when it is assured there are no surrounding threats. When chewing gum our brain tells our saliva glands to start producing saliva in preparation of eating. Whether the cognitive benefits assist or restore rational thinking is something not fully understood.

Action:

1. Buy Gum

2. Insert into mouth

2. Chew as required

Action:

Consume

Difficulty:

Easy

Speed:

Fast

1. Thought Field Therapy (TFT)

2. RAPAT

3. 5-4-3-2-1