[HEALTH] Before mass-produced gum was ever sold in stores, people chewed on mastic, a natural tree resin produced on the beautiful Greek island of Chios.
Mastic gum is the OG chew: a natural resin from the mastic tree with a clean, mildly pine flavor and all of the chewy goodness. And unlike mainstream gum, which mostly freshens breath on the surface, mastic gum can be used therapeutically to support oral health, aid in digestion, and calm the stomach lining with special compounds not found in everyday gum. [1]
Benefits
Several clinical trials have demonstrated that mastic gum can suppress and kill Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes most ulcers, many cases of gastritis, and chronic reflux. [1,2,3]
Research also suggests mastic gum reduces inflammation of stomach tissue and helps relieve gastric discomfort, while also supporting the stomach’s natural protective mucus barrier. Findings published in Phytomedicine, as well as animal research, show fewer gastric lesions, more mucus production, and enhanced healing.
Mastic gum is also protective against digestive complaints, as it can help alleviate bloating, gas, and IBS symptoms.[1] In a 2007 double-blind clinical trial, patients reported significantly less abdominal pain and discomfort when taking or chewing mastic gum.
It’s not just for digestion, either. As a natural breath freshener and oral health enhancer [1,2,3], mastic has been shown to help kill bad breath-causing and cavity-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans in microbiology studies.
Mastic gum is also high in bioactive acids and antioxidant compounds that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which may be the reason it shows potential with liver health. [1,2] In a 2016 clinical study of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, researchers saw reductions in liver enzymes and improvements in liver fat and metabolic factors with the regular use of mastic gum.
If that isn't enough, preliminary studies indicate mastic may help support bone and joint health.[1,2] Animal and early human research show that mastic gum may help protect the cartilage surface, lower oxidative stress within the joint tissue, and reduce collagen breakdown - a potential benefit for easing stiffness and maintaining mobility.
In addition, because mastic is thicker and chewier than most commercial gum, chewing it requires more jaw force, which is applied through the masseter muscles. Masseter strength and endurance have been shown to increase with habitual chewing, and mastic's texture is helpful for encouraging more jaw muscle use. The result of consistent mastic use may be improved jaw definition, stronger bites and increased facial symmetry over time. [1,2,3] This is supported by an early study on mastic gum, which found more jaw muscle activity and endurance when chewing mastic gum as compared to a softer chewing gum. At the same time, the additional saliva released through chewing will lubricate the mouth and stave off cavity formation, aiding in long-term jaw comfort and function. Finally, using mastic as a chewing gum may offer some benefit to those with mild TMJ tension, as working both sides of the mouth can eventually retrain an overworked jaw.
A 2016 study discovered that chewing mastic gum could lead to positive changes in cholesterol levels. [1] After eight weeks, participants who took mastic gum had lower total cholesterol levels than those who took a placebo.
The mastic gum group also had lower levels of blood glucose. Glucose levels can sometimes be related to high cholesterol levels. The researchers also noted that mastic gum seemed to have a greater effect on overweight and obese people.
Mastic gum has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects that could make it beneficial for allergic asthma. [1] Allergic asthma can be associated with airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Mastic gum inhibited eosinophilia, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness and inhibited inflammatory mediators in a 2011 animal study in mice. It showed beneficial effects on lung fluid and lung inflammation. In vitro studies have also shown that mastic gum inhibited allergen-reactive cells that cause airway inflammation.
Also, scientists are beginning to examine the potential role of mastic gum in slowing some cancers. [1,2,3] It was shown in a 2006 laboratory study to block the androgen receptor, a primary cause of prostate cancer cell growth. It also diminished the expression and activity of the receptor in prostate cancer cells. Early research also suggests a role in colon cancer. A 2017 study found that mastic essential oil may suppress the activity of colon tumors by slowing the growth of cancerous colon cells in a laboratory study. In another animal study, the oil taken orally in mice significantly inhibited the growth of colon carcinoma tumors.
So, what are you waiting for? Get chewin'!
