That’s the suggestion of a new British study and research provided in the Real Food Therapy Guide.
Researchers tested the effects of gum chewing on 30 Coventry University students who were put in a darkened room for 11 minutes for three consecutive days.
On the first day, they chewed gum; on the second, they did nothing; on the third day, they mimicked a chewing motion with no actual gum.
Scientists measured changes in pupil size as a sign of sleepiness, and also recorded self-reported alertness. On both measures, volunteers were more alert when they’d been chewing gum compared to doing nothing or pretending to chew.
This is not the first research to link gum-chewing with an improved mental state: A 2009 study linked gum to positive changes in mood, and a review published earlier this year also found greater alertness among people chewing gum.
In addition to improved alertness, research provided in the Real Food Therapy Guide elaborates on when chewing gum can be beneficial to offset heartburn issues.
All in all, it looks like research suggests that mint gum may provide a little “pick-me-up” and also be helpful for minimizing the onset of heartburn.
Thanks for reading and best of health and happiness to you!
