The shocking link between chewing and brain power: How a simple habit can boost memory and focus

Think chewing gum is just a habit? Think again! A fascinating new study reveals that chewing something that is a bit harder than gum, can actually supercharge the brain’s defense system and sharpen the memory.

This study indicates that chewing some moderately hard material by healthy young adults, can significantly increase the brain’s very powerful antioxidant called glutathione, in the particular part of the brain that is responsible for focus and all our decision-making abilities.

What is Glutathione, and why does the brain need it

Pronounced as (gloo-ta-thigh-own), it is one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is produced inside the cells. It plays a major role in protecting the brain and body from harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen and nitrogen, which can cause significant damage over time.
If one has low levels of Glutathione in their body, it can likely develop Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and that is why it is imperative to increase glutathione through diet, supplements or other medical treatments.

The study and the results

A total of 52 university students were recruited, and the Korean version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status was used for the neurocognitive evaluations. Brain GSH levels following chewing gum or wood blocks were measured using MEscher-Garwood Point RESolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS sequence, and their relevance to neurocognitive evaluation results was investigated.

The study was published in the National Library of Medicine, under the name- Effect of chewing hard material on boosting brain antioxidant levels and enhancing cognitive function
It found that young adults who chew on either gum, or a small wooden stick for five minutes showed impressive results. To ensure consistent movement, participants chewed on the right molar region at a frequency of 1 Hz, alternating between 30 s of chewing and 30 s of rest. The researchers used advanced brain scans to measure glutathione levels in the brain and concluded that:

Those who chewed on wood showed a clear increase in brain glutamate levels. The ones who chewed on gum showed little to no change.

• On top of that, the wood chewers performed better on memory tests, especially when recalling stories or tiny details.
• It seems as if the harder we chew, the more our brain wakes up. Possibly because chewing increases the blood flow in the brain and activates its natural defense system.
• The conclusion according to the research: Chewing moderately hard material elevates brain antioxidant levels such as GSH, potentially influencing cognitive function.

What does this mean

This study shows that chewing harder objects and not just softer ones, can give our brain the boost it needs. By increasing the antioxidant levels, it may help the brain to stay healthy and improve memory, in short term. It links back to our lifestyle habits as usual, and shows that even simple ones, can affect how well the brain can work.

Although, it does not necessarily indicate that we start to chew on wooden blocks daily, it suggests that there is more to chewing than we actually thought.

What should be done

Try and add firmer, crunchier foods to the diet, like carrots, apples, nuts and crisp veggies. This can naturally make us chew harder.

Disclaimer: This article is only meant for informational purposes and does not constitute professional medical advice