Is it true that chewing gum burns calories? Certainly, it involves jaw movement, which uses energy. This muscular exertion directly burns calories. Plus, chewing sugarless gum burns calories without consuming them. It also helps the body stay cool, as chewing gum promotes blood flow and oxygen to the masticatory muscles. But is chewing gum actually effective? Let’s find out.,Does Chewing Gum Burn Calories? Does Sugarless Gum Have the Same Calories as Regular Gum?
The answer to these questions is yes. According to the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Yale University, “chewing gum burns 1.24 calories per hour.” That may not sound like a lot, but if you chew gum for a full eight hours each day, that’s a total of 10.16 calories burned off through chewing alone. This doesn’t take into account any additional calories burned doing other things while you’re chewing gum.
Sugar-free gum
Many people don’t realize that sugar-free chewing gum can actually help you burn calories. Each piece of sugar-free gum contains only two to five calories. Regular gum has nearly twice as many calories. In addition, sugar-free gum may contain artificial sweeteners that are linked to poor gut health, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Sugar-free gums may also contain sugar alcohols, which can contribute to digestive issues such as bloating and cramps.
Cooler temperatures boost calorie burn
Researchers have discovered that a person’s body will burn up to two extra calories per minute while chewing gum. While the study only included men, it did show that women had no effect on their energy expenditure. Although the study is limited, it does support the claim that chewing gum can increase calorie burn by up to 30%. Cooler temperatures also help people fall asleep faster. Nevertheless, more research is needed before it can be widely applied to weight loss.
Increased blood flow to brain
The increased cerebral blood flow when chewing gum is beneficial to the human body. The process of chewing gum involves the activation of receptors in the gums and the heart, allowing more blood to flow to the muscles. Studies have also shown that chewing harder gum has cognitive benefits as compared to softer gum. Chewing gum is also beneficial to the body because it helps to speed up reflexes and actions. Furthermore, it has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Increased oxygen to masticatory muscles
During cyclic jaw movements, blood flow to active skeletal muscles is increased, providing energy substrate while reducing metabolic by-products and excessive heat. The present study investigated whether increased blood flow during cyclic jaw movements affects intramuscular haemodynamics of the masticatory muscles. Ten healthy adult females underwent the study. Electromyography, masseter muscle kinetics, blood pressure, and mandibular kinesiography were recorded simultaneously. The subjects performed an empty chewing task and a gum chewing task. Haemodynamic parameters were compared in both the empty-chewing and gum chewing tasks.
Controls food cravings
Using a piece of chewing gum to control food cravings is an effective way to cut back on unnecessary calories. As it distracts the mouth from the desire to snack, chewing gum signals that a meal is done, and therefore, it may help reduce the amount of calories consumed. Late- night and midday snacking contribute to caloric intake, and chewing gum can help you avoid them.
Reduces calorie intake
A recent study suggests that chewing gum can lower your caloric intake. The chewers were less likely to eat as many calories at lunchtime. They also reported having lower cravings and a greater feeling of fullness. And when compared with non-chewers, they consumed about twenty percent fewer calories at their next eating occasion. Ultimately, this means that chewing gum can help you control your appetite and lose weight. However, it’s important to note that chewing gum may increase the calories you eat from less healthy foods.
Of course, not everyone chews gum for their health. Many people enjoy the sensual aspects of a stick of sugarless gum. They like the flavor, the way that it feels in their mouth, and the many pleasant smells that fill their nostrils as they masticate. And it’s true: while chewing on gum might not help you to lose weight, you can certainly burn a few calories while enjoying this sticky treat.
