Chewing gum reduces the stress levels and increases the ability of brain to memorize – Part 2

In a nutshell, the chew of a gum actually works, without the substantiation of any research, in the reducing the stress by handling the cortisol levels, generally known as the stress hormones.

Other studies have found that some aspects of memory seem to be improved by chewing gum, particularly immediate and delayed word recall, while others are not. A deeper research on this particular topic has revealed that the glands that help a person to memorize things increase their secretion, when person is chewing a gum.

In addition, the research also revealed that chewing a gum before an exam also helps in quick response to the questions. However, extensive chew in the exam has no effect whatsoever.

In fact, chewing gum for about 20 minutes is at par with mild exercise in terms of sending more blood to the brain. Continuing to chew after the warm-up period seems to have required too much jaw-work, and burning more energy negated the benefits.

Moreover, a research has revealed that the usage of bubble gums also helps in reducing anxiety.  This 2009 study, for instance, found that under laboratory conditions chewing gum resulted in reduced stress hormones and a reduction in overall anxiety.

Attributes of gum that have gone under scrutiny include its flavour, texture and density, to name a few. However, this being related to brain, no substantial evidence can vouch for the above thesis but the changes have undoubtedly been noted.

True enough, the reasons for all these effects are still speculative, but the wealth of research pointing to benefits of gum chewing can’t be ignored. We may not yet know why it benefits the brain, but few things are simpler or cheaper or less risky than tossing a stick in your mouth for a good chew.

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Posted by Usman Khalid on Mar 23 2012. Filed under Sci-Tech. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.