The main aim of my project is to test the effectiveness of gum in improving concentration. I believe that gum can enhance concentration. I opted for this project because I was curious about the potential benefits of gum in concentration. Through this project, my objective is to prove that gum has a positive impact on concentration. Gum refers to a sweetened and flavored insoluble plastic material specifically designed for chewing. It is considered to be one of the most prevalent habits worldwide. The annual production of gum exceeds 372 trillion sticks, with a consumption rate of over 100,000 tons per year. Consequently, if we collectively chew gum for 30 minutes, it amounts to a total of 187 billion hours of gum-chewing annually (Natural).
The oldest known gum in the world is 9,000 years old (Facts). Gum has a long history, originating from the Ancient Greeks, but it was not exclusive to them. The Mayans, North American Indians, and early settlers also chewed gum. The Mayans used chicle, a milky latex extracted from the sapodilla tree, while the Ancient Greeks chewed mastiche from a mastic tree. The North American Indians and early settlers obtained their gum from the spruce tree, primarily made from tree sap and beeswax. However, in 1850, they started producing gum from paraffin wax, which surpassed the popularity of spruce gum (Hunter). The first commercial gum was created and sold by John B. in 1848.
Curtis was the first to experiment with spruce tree resin and sold the first marketed chewing gum, known as The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. In 1892, William Wrigley Jr. established the Wrigley’s company, which produced popular flavors like Juicy Fruit and Double Mint. Thomas Adams and his eldest son created Adams New York No. 1, the first batch of modern gum, which they molded into small gumballs wrapped in various colored papers. Thomas even sold chewing gum from a vending machine (History).
Thomas Adams is known for introducing America’s first vending machine, which sold his Black Jack and Tutti Frutti gum, in a New York City subway station. He was the inventor of Black Jack gum and the founder of American Chicle Company. Adams remained an active member of the company until his death in 1905, earning him the title of the most significant figure in the history of the chewing gum industry (Bellis). Additionally, chewing gum repetitive action is believed to aid mental processes in the brain, as it is often associated with preparing for a meal.
The brain is deceived into sending signals to release insulin, which absorbs any excess glucose or sugar in the blood and provides energy for nearby organs or muscles (Chatham, Chris). Chewing gum is typically made from natural or artificial latex, including chicle, which does not break down when chewed. Chicle offers the best flavor and chewing texture but is rarely utilized due to its limited production, with only 35 ounces yielded from a tree every four years (Price). Nonetheless, chicle is still employed as a gum base in Japan, albeit less commonly used elsewhere due to its high cost and low quantity (Facts).
According to American News, chewing gum offers a multitude of advantages. It can boost cognitive abilities and math performance by increasing blood circulation to the brain, resulting in improved concentration during school. Research indicates that individuals who chew gum while taking tests typically obtain higher scores than those who do not. Moreover, chewing gum promotes alertness and attentiveness without causing restlessness, as well as reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can aid in enhancing memory, managing weight, and maintaining oral health.
Chewing gum has several benefits. It may improve memory by stimulating jaw movement, which increases oxygen and glucose in the brain and removes carbon dioxide. Additionally, it can help manage weight as each piece contains calories. Moreover, chewing gum can serve as a tool for quitting smoking by providing an alternative activity for the mouth. Bubble gum is a specific type of chewing gum mainly known for its association with blowing bubbles.
Frank Fleer, the first inventor of bubble gum, created Double Bubble Gum, which was a fortuitous discovery. Although it was not sticky, people still found it enjoyable and desirable. As a result, Double Bubble became the sole gum available in the market for a considerable period of time. This iconic gum was developed based on Frank Fleer’s original formula and his numerous recipe experiments aimed at enabling individuals to learn bubble blowing. Once he realized that Double Bubble Gum could facilitate bubble blowing, he recruited teachers to assist others in mastering this skill (Facts).
Contrary to popular belief, swallowing gum does not stay in your stomach for seven years. It is easily digested and typically remains in the stomach for a day or two. This is because it contains flavors, sweeteners, food coloring, and preservatives that can be absorbed by the body (Natural). However, consuming gum with high fructose-corn syrup may negatively impact short-term memory and learning ability. Studies have indicated that chewing gum reduces the ability to memorize letters and numbers compared to individuals who do not chew gum.
According to Chatham, Chris, the positive impacts of gum vanish when it loses its flavor. It appears that gum without flavor does not have the same effects on enhancing blood circulation as flavored gum. Numerous experiments have been carried out to develop fresh flavors for gums. Presently, gums are manufactured using ingredients like pepsin, guarantee, nicotine, and gum base. There is a wide selection of gum choices accessible, ranging from traditional to innovative varieties. Some of these novel gums are especially fascinating as they can alter the color of your mouth and come in diverse shapes.
Nowadays, a wide range of gums is readily available in various forms such as sticks or wads. There are several gum varieties specifically designed for oral care purposes including teeth whitening, teeth cleaning, and breath freshening. The original flavor of chewing gum, derived from the Mastic Tree, can still be found in many modern gums. Although there are still some gums made from chicle, they have become less common compared to those produced using chemical compounds and natural gum base. It should be noted that there is a distinction between bubble gum and chewing gum primarily due to differences in their gum base composition. Chewing gum, which is typically made from chicle, tends to be more challenging to blow bubbles with.
The unique ability of bubble gum to produce large bubbles is due to its composition of starches and polymers. Although it was initially not well-received when introduced in 1806, chewing gum has been a popular pastime for centuries (Natural). Its creation aims to provide enduring pleasure. Chewing gum serves various purposes for individuals, including refreshing their breath, preventing teeth grinding, enhancing concentration, curbing snacking tendencies, and alleviating stress (Hunter). Some people also enjoy the taste it adds to drinks or the sensation it provides in the mouth (Bellis).
