If you're an obsessive gum chewer like me, you may be discouraged by some of the conventional gum on the market. Between the sugar, plastic gum bases, and questionable ingredients that you may not want to put anywhere near your mouth, consider switching exclusively to natural 1-ingredient alternatives that offer benefits beyond oral health. Here are my favorites!
Mastic gum is a natural resin harvested from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), traditionally grown in Greece. People have used it for centuries as a chewing gum and natural remedy. Mastic contains compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and has been studied for digestive and oral health, including its potential effects on H. pylori. Mastic is a harder, firmer chew than some other natural gums, making it a good choice if you want more of a workout for your jaw. Many use it to build up their jaw muscles.
Frankincense Gum
Frankincense gum is a fragrant resin collected from trees of the Boswellia genus, native to regions of Africa and the Middle East. People have used it for thousands of years in traditional medicine, incense, and spiritual practices. Frankincense contains compounds called boswellic acids, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly in relation to joint and digestive health. Frankincense gum offers a softer, gentler chew than some other natural resins. Be sure to choose food-grade frankincense specifically intended for chewing.
Frankincense gum is a fragrant resin collected from trees of the Boswellia genus, native to regions of Africa and the Middle East. People have used it for thousands of years in traditional medicine, incense, and spiritual practices. Frankincense contains compounds called boswellic acids, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, particularly in relation to joint and digestive health. Frankincense gum offers a softer, gentler chew than some other natural resins. Be sure to choose food-grade frankincense specifically intended for chewing.
Chicle
Chicle is a natural, latex-like gum harvested from the sap of the sapodilla tree (Manilkara zapota), which is native to parts of Central America and Mexico. Indigenous peoples traditionally chewed it, and it later became the original base for many commercial chewing gums before manufacturers shifted to synthetic, plastic gum bases. It has a mild taste and a soft, flexible texture almost exactly like conventional chewing gum.
Spruce Resin
Spruce gum is the sticky resin that comes from spruce trees. Indigenous peoples have chewed it as a natural gum, and it has a fresh, woodsy flavor. It contains natural plant compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Acacia Gum
Acacia gum, also called gum arabic, is a natural gum made from the dried sap of acacia trees, particularly Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It has a mild taste and is used as a natural gum base, thickener, and source of soluble fiber. Its potential benefits include supporting gut bacteria and digestive health, helping increase fiber intake, and possibly supporting healthy cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.
Happy chewing!
Acacia gum, also called gum arabic, is a natural gum made from the dried sap of acacia trees, particularly Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It has a mild taste and is used as a natural gum base, thickener, and source of soluble fiber. Its potential benefits include supporting gut bacteria and digestive health, helping increase fiber intake, and possibly supporting healthy cholesterol and blood-sugar levels.
Happy chewing!
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MY PICK
| Apothecary's Garden of natural gums