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What Are the Benefits of Sugarless Gum?

Gum has been around for centuries and was used by many cultures, including the ancient Greeks. Back then, it was used to clean teeth. It has become a top candy item in our modern age, but you actually have an excuse to chew gum now. In addition to the taste, sugarless gum has many benefits.

  1. Weight Control

    • Sugarless gum has fewer calories than regular gum or other candies. Thus, it's a better alternative when your sweet tooth kicks in. In addition, a study at the University of Rhode Island in 2009 found that people who chewed gum for an hour in the morning had 67 less calories at lunch. The act of chewing itself may reduce hunger, researchers contended. Chewing gum burns about 11 calories per hour.

    Better Teeth

    • Chewing sugarless gum is beneficial for the teeth. Chewing increases the amount of saliva in the mouth. This, in turn, washes away acids and bacteria left from certain foods and drinks. More saliva brings more calcium and phosphate to strengthen the tooth enamel, states the American Dental Association.

    Reduces Bad Breath

    • Since chewing gum increases saliva flow, it helps to flush smelly bacteria out of the mouth. After eating, you should chew on sugarless gum if you lack mouthwash. Onions, garlic, dairy products and vegetables like cabbage can lead to bad breath. Buy cinnamon-flavored gum; cinnamon is known to fight bad breath. Choose gum that contains xylitol, a sugar substitute that also helps stop bacteria from forming in the mouth.

    Increases Alertness

    • Chewing gum is beneficial for not only the mouth, but for the brain as well. A study published in 2009 in Nutritional Neuroscience found that people who chewed gum were more alert. In fact, the military has been giving gum to soldiers for years to increase their alertness. So, try chewing gum if you need to stay alert and focused. Chew only sugarless gum, though, so that you don't add calories.

    A Healthy Substitute for Smoking

    • Chewing sugarless gum can be an effective substitute for a smoker. A smoker is used to having something in his mouth. Chewing sugarless gum may soothe the smoker with the simple act of chewing. It can also help him get past the initial cravings for a cigarette. Of course, a smoker can use any hard candy as a substitute, but sugarless gum is a better alternative for two reasons: Sugarless gum has fewer calories than regular gum or candy, and sugarless gum cleans away bacteria and strengthens the tooth enamel. It's a win-win situation.

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