Wrigley Hopes To Prove Health Benefits Of Gum

from the not-just-good-for-your-teeth dept

Tue, Mar 28th 2006 7:18pm — Joseph Weisenthal

It's common to come across studies proclaiming this or that food to be good for you, only to discover that the research was funded by some company with an interest in selling more of it. It's less common for a company to announce, in advance, that they're hoping to fund research, for marketing purposes, that demonstrates the health benefits of the food. On that note, Wrigley (the gum company) has announced the creation of the Wrigley Science Institute, with the aim of pursuing research to prove that gum chewing will help keep weight down, improve focus, and reduce stress. The company's CIO (Chief Innovation Officer) says that there's always been anecdotal evidence of this, and that it's just common sense. The company is taking this surprisingly seriously, looking to get their work published in peer-reviewed journals. While they're certain to find the results they're looking for, maybe they'll discover some surprise benefits, like a cure for electricity allergies.

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9 Comments

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F. Psychologist, 28 Mar 2006 @ 7:35pm

What does this mean?
That boy needs therapy.
He needs to lie down on the couch.
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Trademark, 28 Mar 2006 @ 8:28pm

Study: Studies found to be mostly useless, contradictory
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Rikko, 28 Mar 2006 @ 9:47pm

Ok?
While I agree that "institutes" are generally suspect, I wonder where the tech in this dirt comes in?
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BOB, 28 Mar 2006 @ 11:37pm

Just another idea.
if you want to make gum something out of the oordinary then why don't you throw in some briian inhancement medication along with candy just to prove that you are trying to make a difference out here.
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Kris, 29 Mar 2006 @ 6:45am

Not exactly technology related, but...
Apparently chewing gum is bad for the stomach, as it stimulates the salival glands, and in turn, the body adds a chemical to the stomach when you chew it. When nothing is swallowed, the chemicals causes an acid imbalance.

....

I have no idea where I heard this.
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its psychosomatic, 29 Mar 2006 @ 7:16am

Re: What does this mean?
That boy needs therapy.
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Odm, 29 Mar 2006 @ 1:17pm

Re: Not exactly technology related, but...
That seems reasonable. When you eat or smell food (and when you're stressed) a hormone in your stomach triggers the production of gastric juice, which is hydrochloric acid and some enzymes. I don't think gum reacts with HCl, so it seems there would be an acid imbalance. What I'm wondering is if enough acid is produced to cause any significant damage...
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Sohrab, 29 Mar 2006 @ 4:44pm

so...am I gonna die now? I usually only take altoids... damnit. I need a Wrigley diet :(
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Madeline, 13 Apr 2007 @ 11:18am

So???
It's bad to chew gum then? or i don't know I'm confused. When I go to one website it says this, and now, another says that. so if i chew gum, am i going to die or not, or is it when you just swollow it? I AM SOOOO CONFUSED!!!!!
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