No-one likes it when their co-worker or friend chomps gum in their ears, but this oh-so-annoying habit may have some surprising beauty benefits.
Gum chewing can actually help you:
Win the Battle of the Bulge
It’s true, chewing gum burns about 11 calories an hour, and it also satisfies that oral fixation and keeps you from chowing down. Yes, you may be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, but eating while chewing gum is not as easy. Choose sugar-free gum, and try chewing a piece before you reach for that sugary afternoon snack. (American Idol judge Randy Jackson says it is one of his secret weapons when he is tempted by a buffet at a party or on set. Jackson had weight loss surgery in 2003.)
Get Rid of Your Double Chin
Chewing gum can entail hundreds or thousands of muscle movements using some of the same muscles used in facial exercises. It stands to reason that all this gum smacking may help tighten sagging neck muscles and reduce the appearance of a double chin. Is it as effective as neck liposuction or a neck lift? Likely not, but it’s less expensive and less invasive, and tastes good too.
Brighten Your Smile
Some chewing gums such as Orbit White and Trident White actually help whiten and brighten teeth. If you are going to chew gum, why not choose a variety that recharges your smile and your breath. It’s no substitute for good oral care or other whitening options, but it may help out in a clutch.
As with any habit, chewing gum in excess has its downsides. For example, most chewing gum contains sorbitol, which has laxative properties, so chewing gum all day might not be a good idea. But used in moderation, gum might just help you improve your look. So instead of asking your co-worker to please chew quietly, maybe you should ask if you can have a piece. How’s that for something to chew on?