Chewing gum boosts academic performance

Here is a surprise for generations of school teachers who forced their students to throw out their chewing gum. A new study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine suggests that the act of chewing gum can boost academic performance.

Specifically, the study found that students aged 13-16, who chewed sugar-free gum during a 14 week math class, scored 3% higher in a standardized test. While more research is required for conclusive findings, chewing sugar-free gum for several minutes in rhythm seemed to have the effects of focusing attention, improving alertness, increasing response time and even improving memory.

In truth, no one is sure how chomping on a stick of gum helps improve cognition. Among the popular theories: gum chewing reduces stress and relieves tension just like other exercises; or it increases blood flow to the brain as well as releases insulin to parts of the brain related to learning and memory; or that the repetitive process of chewing while studying helps reinforce the learning.

Singapore is looking mighty stupid now for banning gums. Maybe they should unban it for 13-16 age groups. Just a thought.