If the advertisements are to be believed, chewing gum can effectively protect teeth from tooth decay. are this is in reality? Hardly anyone wonders about their composition, and it is definitely worth taking a look at. Is chewing gum he althy?
Contents:
- Chewing gum: what is it made of?
- Chewing gum: is it he althy?
- Chewing gum: effects on the body
Chewing gum consists of several basic elements that must be classified as safe for consumption.
Chewing gum: what is it made of?
Chewing gums of different brands are slightly different due to different recipes, but each one contains:
- gum - an undigested base substance that gives the necessary chewing properties;
- resin - added to make the rubber harder and more compact;
- fillers, e.g. talc and calcium carbonate - give the rubber texture;
- preservatives - ensuring a long use-by date;
- softening agents, e.g. waxes, vegetable oils, paraffin - they keep moisture and prevent excessive hardening of rubbers;
- sweeteners - sugars or sugar-free sweeteners, e.g. xylitol, aspartame;
- aromas (natural or synthetic) - give the desired flavor.
Chewing gum: is it he althy?
Chewing gums are considered safe foods, but some manufacturers use controversial ingredients that are suspected of having various side effects. These ingredients include:
- titanium dioxide,
- butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),
- artificial sweeteners.
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is often used in the form of nanoparticles to give a bright, white color to paints, plastics, chewing gums and sometimes even powdered sugar. It is considered generally safe, however new scientific research indicates it may be harmful.
Studies in rats have found that exposure to high doses of titanium dioxide is associated with damage to the nervous system and internal organs. The reports of scientists published in 2022 in the journal "NanoImpact" seem disturbing.
They show that the complete elimination of contact with the dioxidetitanium is impossible, and this compound affects the absorption of nutrients and the secretion of enzymes.
The study exposed intestinal epithelial cells to the amount of titanium dioxide consumed typically by the average person. The effects of acute exposure (one time for four hours) and chronic exposure (three meals for five days) were analyzed. It turns out that chronic exposure to titanium dioxide in the diet causes:
- weakening of the intestinal barrier,
- slow metabolism,
- aggravation of chronic inflammation,
- weakening of the intestinal defense against pathogens,
- blocking the absorption of nutrients: iron, zinc and fatty acids,
- damage to the intestinal villi responsible for the absorption of nutrients.
Butylated hydroxytoluene
BHT is a synthetically produced antioxidant that is added to foods to preserve foods and extend their shelf life. It has a strong antiviral effect.
Studies regarding its toxicity when ingested with food are contradictory, and at doses up to 0.25 mg / kg body weight, BHT is considered safe. However, studies in laboratory animals have shown that it causes damage to the kidneys and liver at high doses (from 0.5 to 1 g / kg body weight).
Liver enlargement and a decrease in liver enzymes have been found. Studies on the carcinogenic properties of BHT also yield conflicting results.
Artificial sweeteners
Many studies have confirmed that artificial sweeteners are not carcinogenic. However, they are dangerous for other reasons - they disrupt metabolic processes and, in the long run, promote weight gain, not weight loss. Sweeteners increase the appetite, stimulate the reward center in the brain and disrupt the caloric control mechanisms. They also disrupt the relationship between insulin and nerve cells, which leads to an increased feeling of hunger and the supply of up to 30% more energy compared to meals without sweeteners.
Chewing gum: effects on the body
Teeth and Gums
Chewing gums (sugar-free!) Helps maintain the he alth of your teeth and mouth, and restores the correct pH after a meal. The most effective are those sweetened with xylitol, which inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause enamel damage and bad breath.
Chewing xylitol gum reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth by up to 75%. The act of chewing alone is beneficial as it increases the flow of saliva, so that less food remains on the teeth. The theory has not been confirmed, according towhose long-term chewing gum causes damage to the gums and pain in the jaw.
At the same time, gums chewed for more than 20 minutes may contribute to tooth remineralisation.
Gum should not be chewed for more than 10-15 minutes.
Intestines
The he alth of the intestines and the ability of the intestinal villi to absorb nutrients is significantly influenced by the titanium dioxide contained in some chewing gums. Artificial sweeteners present in them have a negative effect on the condition of the intestinal microflora.
In addition, chewing gums contain laxatives and FODMAPs, which are carbohydrates that cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including bloating, gas, severe abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation. According to various analyzes, chewing gum accelerates intestinal regeneration after surgery.
Headaches and migraines
Based on an analysis of available scientific studies, a relationship has been found between regular chewing gum and the occurrence of headache and migraine attacks in people prone to these ailments. A small study of 30 adolescents showed that giving up chewing gum is a very effective method of getting rid of recurring headaches - it worked for as many as 60% of respondents. Artificial sweeteners are believed to cause headaches, but this has not been confirmed.
Memory and concentration
The analysis of existing research allows to conclude that chewing gum has a positive effect on various aspects of cognitive functions, including memory, concentration, intellectual and executive abilities, but there is no clear scientific position on this issue. At the same time, chewing gum during cognitive tasks reduces the efficiency of their performance. The results obtained by many authors are contradictory and do not allow for a clear conclusion whether chewing gum actually improves cognitive functions. The most common finding, however, is that the act of chewing improves short-term memory.