9 Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum

Improves memory

Chew this one over: If your memory is crashing on you lately, the solution may lie in a simple stick. According to recent studies from a team of psychologists at St. Lawrence University, cognitive function and overall test performance were significantly improved when subjects were chomping on gum. Ultimately, it’s believed that this valuable mental boost derives from the observed increase of heart rate and blood flow. The medical results certainly proved this to a T: Brain activity in the hippocampus, an area important for concentration and reaction times, was significantly sparked and delivery of oxygen to the brain was increased by as much as 25 to 40 percent. (Check out these other ways to better boost your brain health.)