Gum: So Sweet yet So Harmful
Many of us consume it, but few know that aside from toothaches and expensive treatments, the harms of gum, sweet and innocent as it may seem, are destructive and far-reaching. We set out to examine what makes up the product marketed in eye-catching packages and yet considered a significant 'villain'.
Over the years, we have developed various stigmas about gum that make us chew it happily: it helps maintain oral health and prevents bad breath, aids in weight loss, creates a feeling of fullness, and more. How many of us have bothered to check the small print on the colorful packets? How many of us are aware of the toxic and destructive ingredients that make up the gum? And how many of us are aware of the irreversible damage they cause our bodies, and more importantly, how many of us care enough about our health to give up the 'momentary' pleasure for long-term protection?
Let's take a closer look:
Have we ever considered how gum is produced, what materials are used to create its elastic flexibility? Well, you will agree with me that no manufacturer would agree to incriminate themselves by writing on the gum package that they use plastic, elasticity materials, a filler that includes polyvinyl acetate—which means carpenter's glue, talc, and petroleum. Yes, indeed, and this is just the beginning. Let's continue.
Aspartame is known as a scandal-causing sweetener, so its presence in gum already says it all. In medical books, it is recognized as a component directly and indirectly responsible for a host of issues and diseases, with cancerous tumors, joint pains, fatigue, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, and anxiety being just a small part of the list associated with its use. In extreme cases, it can even cause death.
Studies prove that consuming high amounts of phosphate calcium, appearing after chewing gum over the years, increases the risk of developing osteoporosis (bone loss). But that is not all. Have you heard of sorbitol? This 'converted' sugar hides in the blood under the alias 'fructose', or fruit sugar. Despite the positive connotations it conveys compared to other types of sugars, its lethal capabilities and known side effects should encourage one to maintain a safe distance.
Meet acesulfame potassium, more commonly known as 'K'. Yes, it is just a sweetener. But for those unfamiliar with it, it may be surprising to learn that it actively contributes to cancer cell formation in the body. Studies have even demonstrated a direct link between it and thyroid issues.
BHT—extreme caution is advised with this chemical compound as it, among other things, is responsible for creating cancerous cells, as well as allergies, attention disorders, and more. In England, Japan, and several other countries, the use of this substance has been banned entirely, but the Israeli Ministry of Health has not yet seen fit to impose a reform in this matter.
Titanium Dioxide—its English name may sound less threatening, but make no mistake: this is one of the most dangerous substances in sweets—with candies and gums being the main culprits. Among other things, it is carcinogenic and can cause asthma. Consider yourselves warned.
Indeed, for those used to chewing, stopping suddenly is not easy. Sometimes we chew just to alleviate boredom and to satisfy the urge to 'snack' on something; however, it is important to remember that there are countless other ways to satisfy the sweet craving with positive and natural options like dates, which leave no negative traces in our bodies. One less chew equals one less problem.
