Cinnamon gum is popular for its warm, spicy flavor, but its health impact depends on the balance of its ingredients. The overall health impact of this product is not determined by its cinnamon flavor alone, but rather by the balance of its ingredients. The specific formulation, particularly whether the gum contains traditional sugar or non-caloric sweeteners, dictates its effects on oral and digestive health.
The Positive Effects of Chewing
The physical act of chewing gum offers several measurable, non-flavor-specific benefits, primarily related to oral hygiene and brain function. Chewing stimulates a significant increase in the flow of saliva, a natural defense mechanism that helps neutralize the acid produced by oral bacteria after eating. This increased saliva production also assists in washing away food debris and reducing the demineralization of tooth enamel.
The rhythmic motion of chewing also appears to influence cognitive performance and stress levels. Studies suggest that chewing can enhance concentration and improve attention, potentially due to increased blood flow to the brain. This effect has been linked to improved performance on tasks requiring sustained focus and vigilance. Furthermore, the repetitive action can help reduce feelings of stress and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Cinnamon’s Role in Health
The appealing flavor of cinnamon gum comes from cinnamaldehyde, the primary compound in cinnamon bark oil. Cinnamon itself is recognized for containing potent antioxidants, and whole cinnamon bark or extracts have been studied for their potential to help regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamaldehyde also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to temporarily reducing certain odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Despite these potential advantages of the spice, the amount of cinnamon oil or extract used in commercial chewing gum for flavoring is minuscule. Most standard cinnamon gums contain only 0.5% to 1% cinnamon flavoring, often using synthetic cinnamaldehyde for consistency. The trace quantities of these compounds are unlikely to deliver the therapeutic health effects associated with consuming larger doses of cinnamon powder or extract. Therefore, any significant health benefit derived from cinnamon gum is attributed to the action of chewing itself or the choice of sweetener, not the spice content.
Hidden Drawbacks: Sweeteners and Additives
The primary health concerns associated with chewing gum revolve around the type of sweetener used in the product. Gums sweetened with refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup pose a direct threat to dental health. Oral bacteria feed on these sugars, fermenting them to produce acid that attacks and demineralizes tooth enamel. This acid production can rapidly lead to tooth decay and the formation of cavities.
Sugar-free varieties replace these sugars with sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol. While sugar alcohols do not promote tooth decay because oral bacteria cannot readily ferment them, they can cause digestive issues when consumed in large amounts. Since sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, they can draw water into the colon or be fermented by gut bacteria. This process commonly results in uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, gas, and a laxative effect.
Making the Healthiest Choice
The healthiest option is to choose sugar-free cinnamon gum due to its benefits for dental health. Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow without providing fuel for the decay-causing oral bacteria. Xylitol, in particular, stands out among sugar alcohols because it actively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterium responsible for cavities.
Even with sugar-free options, moderation is necessary to avoid potential digestive side effects from the sugar alcohols. Individuals should check the ingredient list for xylitol, as it offers a greater anti-cavity benefit than sorbitol. Selecting a product with natural cinnamon flavoring rather than artificial additives minimizes exposure to unnecessary synthetic compounds.