Chewing gum before an afternoon snack helps reduce hunger, diminish cravings and promote fullness – and you’ll even eat around 25 fewer calories each meal, a new study has confirmed.
According to researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University, this study demonstrates the benefits of chewing gum and highlights its potential role in appetite control and weight management.
Nutritionists say that even small changes in calories can have an impact in the long term. This research study supports the role of chewing gum as an easy and practical tool for weight management.
Study participants were asked to eat a sweet and salty afternoon snack after chewing a sweetened gum or not chewing gum.
Hunger, appetite and cravings were rated immediately after lunch and then hourly.
Researchers found that chewing gum significantly reduced calorie intake by an average of 25 calories and specifically reduced sweet snack intake by 39 calories; 11 calories decreased salty snacks. They also found that hunger and desire to eat were significantly suppressed by chewing gum at one, two and three-hour intervals after lunch.
Plus, participants reported that chewing gum improved their mood by reducing anxiety and stress and increasing contentment and relaxation. Remember though, if you choose gum, you may need an emergency trip to the dentist.
In a similar study among people not actively trying to manage their weight, chewing gum reduced snack intake by average of 36 calories.