Chew Gum to Curb Appetite
Research suggests chewing gum does more than temporarily freshen the breath. One study found that those who chewed gum after lunch reported lower appetite and cravings for sweet and salty snacks.And those who chewed gum consumed up to 10 percent less than non-gum-chewers come snack time.Other research has also linked chewing gum to decreased hunger between meals.
Perhaps surprisingly, it’s not gum’s flavor or some hard core bubble-blowing that keeps chewers satisfied. When people pop in a stick of gum, they’re mimicking actions associated with eating, including chewing, tasting, salivating, and swallowing.This type of stimulation helps temporarily convince the stomach that it’s full. Talk about trick gum!
In addition to calming cravings and cleaning up a dirty mouth, chewing gum might also help reduce anxiety and stress, which have consistently been cited as possible causes of overeating.So the next time hunger strikes, consider reaching for a stick of gum over a stack of Pringles. Just be weary of sugar-loaded brands which can contribute to cavities and tooth decay.And for those with a history of jaw discomfort, be sure to avoid chewing too vigorously or it’s possible a painful jaw condition could crop up.
Originally posted on http://www.greatist.com
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