The debate may rage as to whether or not chewing gum is a food—I say no—but to hear little children in the super-market beg for the latest bubble gum package, one may think otherwise.
What mother hasn’t scraped it off of clothes (you know to use an ice-cube to freeze the gum, then just pick it off), snipped hair that was knotted around it, stepped on it (usually in a parking lot), or watched in horror as her children have strung it around the house like Christmas tree lights.
On the bright side, do you remember the first time you blew a bubble? Who taught you? Did you have bubble blowing contests? Gum is as American as apple pie—maybe more so to children who receive it only from their grandparents as pay-back for what their mom or dad put them through when they were children!
Today there are so many flavors and shapes of gum, that choosing a favorite can take as much time as picking out a pair of shoes. According to Madison Avenue, gum whitens teeth, freshens breath, lasts long, and can even control our appetite. Is it any wonder that in 2005 (drum roll please), chewing gum was named the number one SNACK choice by American adults!
More and more, people are finding new reasons to chew. In fact, some science suggests potential benefits for chewing gum, including its ability to:
Make calories count: Chewing gum can be a low-calorie alternative to high-calorie snacks and a diversion to help avoid those unwanted calories associated with "mindless munching."
Ease tension: While we can't avoid life's little stresses, like commuting, traveling or waiting in line, chewing gum may offer a relaxing antidote. One hypothesis is that the act of chewing may help release nervous energy. Ever watched baseball players in a bull pen?
Help focus and concentration: Many athletes and coaches chew gum to "stay in the game." And some teachers have reversed traditional policies against chewing gum and are now encouraging students to chew gum during tests to help increase alertness and concentration.
Improve oral health: It's been clinically proven that chewing sugar free gum after meals helps neutralize plaque acid, helps reduce cavities and helps strengthen teeth.
Oh, and just for your information, it does not take seven years to digest swallowed gum. It passes through the digestive system in a few days. Chewing gum is composed of five basic ingredients, four of which dissolve in your mouth—flavor, sweeteners, syrups and softeners. If you swallow the remaining gum base, it passes like roughage.
But go ahead; give your kids the seven year warning. Some traditions need to be upheld. Oh, and keep plenty of ice on hand.
