Chewing gum versus Smoking

To smoke or not to smoke?

Smoking is cleary one of the most debated subjects in the world. Many articles and books are contributed in an attempt to help people stop smoking. Though many reseach has been done in the attempt, we can only wish to rid the world of cigarette. Why? The answer is simple, there's just too many people making money out of cigarettes. Even governments in different countries benefit from this industry. We offen ask people why they smoke? People have different answers. Some smoke "to relieve tension", or "to calm the nerves". Some gives the idea that "it helps in concentrating". All of these so called ''benefits" can be found in many articles in books or in the internet.

Now, let me introduce the contender, chewing gum.

This innocent looking piece of candy has many benefits that smoking gives (yes, smoking has benefits and it comes with health problems).

Smokers smoke when they are tense, which decreases concentration. Chewing gum has benefits like what we tend to think smoking gives, but without health problems. Below is a list of some benefits.

It EASES tension - chewing reduces muscular tension and helps people feel more at ease.

IMPROVES concentration - repetitive act of chewing gum increases the heart rate and aids concentration.

Thus, it helps in smoking cessation.

Freshens breath

Helps fight tooth decay

Convenient way of taking vitamins and minerals - fortified gum provides a convenient way of taking vitamins and minerals (from International Chewing Gum Association)

Tooth whitening

Relief for sufferers of Xerostomia

Provides low-calorie snack

and in my own experience, Chewing gum relieves indigestion and helped me burp normally.

Gum also has many different flavors.


If you have other constructive suggetions or other benefits gained from chewing gum, feel free to leave comments.

For more facts about chewing gum visit International Chewing Gum Association (ICGA) http://www.gumassociation.org