Chewing Gum and Weight Loss Gum has been a popular pastime for centuries. It was first created by ancient Greeks who used a mixture of tree resin and lost wax.
Today, chewing gum is enjoyed for its flavoring, texture, and ability to freshen breath. However, recent studies suggest that there may be an additonal benefit of chewing gum – it could help you burn more calories, leading to weight loss. In this article, we’ll cover the potential benefits of chewing gum for weight loss and how to safely incorporate it into a weight loss plan.
How Does Chewing Gum Help with Weight Loss?
The concept of chewing gum to lose weight or boost metabolism is relatively new. But several studies have provided evidence that suggest chewing gum could help speed up the metabolism and burn extra calories.
One theory is that the act of chewing stimulates the muscles in your jaw and neck. This can result in an increase in energy expenditure, meaning calories are being burned, as you’re not just sitting still. Researchers have also suggested that regular chewing of gum can help curb cravings and hunger, making it easier to stick to a calorie-controlled diet.
Benefits of Chewing Gum for Weight Loss
There are several potential benefits of chewing gum for those looking to lose weight.
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Increase in Metabolism: As mentioned above, the act of chewing stimulates the muscles in your jaw and helps increase your metabolic rate. By elevating the metabolic rate, you will burn more calories throughout the day.
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Curb Cravings: Spontaneous eating and cravings can often disrupt your diet and weight-loss efforts. Chewing gum can help reduce cravings by occupying the mouth and acting as a distraction from snacks.
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Improved Oral Health: Chewing gum increases saliva production, which can help reduce plaque and tooth decay.
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Stress Relief: Chewing gum can help relieve stress and improve overall wellbeing. Studies have found that when experiencing stress people tend to eat food that is higher in fat, sugar and calories. By chewing gum, you’re giving your body a healthier, sugar-free option and reducing cravings as a result.
How to Incorporate Chewing Gum into a Weight Loss Plan
The key to successfully incorporating gum into a weight loss plan is choosing the right type of gum. The best chewing gums for weight loss are sugar-free gums that use artificial sweeteners instead. All the benefits of gum kick in without throwing additional calories into the mix. Here are a few tips for successfully using gum for weight loss:
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Choose the Right Type of Gum: Look for sugar-free gums that use artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. These are the best for weight management.
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Use in Moderation: Remember that the effects of gum are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise plan. Aim to chew gum as a replacement for snacking and as a way to naturally boost your metabolism.
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Be Aware of Side Effects: Chewing gum can have side effects such as headaches and jaw pain. Monitor your body for any negative reactions and use gum in moderation.
Overall, research suggests that chewing gum could have positive effects on those looking to lose weight. Not only can it help increase metabolism, but it can also help to curb cravings, improve oral health and reduce stress.
The key is to practice moderation and choose the right type of gum – one that uses artificial sweeteners and is sugar free. When choosing gum, be aware of any potential side effects and monitor your body for any negative reactions.
Ultimately, with proper use and a healthy diet, chewing gum can be an effective tool for supporting weight loss efforts.
