For some, chewing gum may be considered rude, impolite or just plain ‘uncool’. However, recent studies point that chewing gum actually helps strengthen facial muscles and also helps relieve stress to a great level.

“Often, our facial muscles are ignored when it comes to exercising. The only time they are put to use are when a person smiles and even that doesn’t last for too long. However, with chewing, it helps to target those muscles that have been inactive for quite some time and by chewing gum on a regular basis, it actually helps to tone and structure these muscles. The results may take some time to show up, but this is a proven method,” says Dr Niranjan Kumar, an orthodontist. This is also one of the reasons why sportspersons are often chewing gum on the field.

It is not just the facial muscles that get a great workout while chewing gum, the action also has other benefits. “The action of chewing helps increase saliva secretion and this has positive effects on the digestive process. Apart from that, chewing gum also helps control hunger pangs and is a favorite with weight watchers,” he adds.