People chew gum for different reasons. Some do it to keep their breath fresh, and others just because it is a nervous habit.
Regardless of why we do it, many people out there chew gum every day yet have no idea what is in the gum they are chewing. That is about to change, and it may change your perception of chewing gum altogether.
Although there may be different things in gum, according to the manufacturer, one additive finds its way into many sticks of gum. It is lanolin, which is commonly found in many skincare products.
You may be wondering what lanolin is. It is something that is taken from the skin glands of sheep. According to @RaiseYourBrain, there is a “high chance” that your favorite gum contains it.
There is a high chance that your favourite chewing gum contains lanolin: a waxy secretion from sheep’s wool.#facts #trivia
— Raise Your Brain (@RaiseYourBrain) September 15, 2021
The Sun reports that gum companies don’t have to list lanolin as an ingredient because it is standardized. That being said, it is commonly used to create the gum’s base. It goes along with many other sweeteners, softeners, and various flavorings that are part of the package.
Incidentally, the fact that it uses lanolin means that your favorite gum may not be as vegan as you think.
Another ingredient in gum is glycerol. This is a softener chemical made from wood rosin and vegetable oil.
Another ingredient in gum that is not a surprise is sugar, and there is plenty of it. Some sugar-free gum uses aspartame, and it isn’t necessary to use much because it is so sweet. There is a question as to whether aspartame is healthy or not.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some research says that artificial sweeteners can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. Others say that it can increase your cravings for sweets so it may work in the wrong direction.
So, the next time you grab a stick of gum, you’ll be more in tune with what you are actually chewing.