Chewing Gum

From early times people have found enjoyment in chewing gum. The ancient Greeks chew the resin of the mastic tree. The Aztecs chewed tzictli, or chicle, from the sapodilla tree. And the Native Americans of New England taught colonist to chew the resin of the spruce tree. In fact, in the early 1800's, lumps of spruce resin came to be the first commercial chewing gum marketed in the United States. Later, chewing sweetened paraffin wax became popular.

It is said that modern chewing gum had its beginning in the later half of the 19th century. During Mexican ex-president Santa Anna's exile in the U.S, he was noticed chewing pieces of chicle that he had brought with him from Mexico. An American inventor realized its potential if sweetened and flavored, and he imported chicle to the U.S to make chewing gum.

Why is chewing gum so popular? Many chew gum to freshen their breath and clean their teeth when brushing is not possible after meals and snacks. Others find that chewing gum is relaxing and an aid to concentration. In fact, because chewing gum has been recognized to reduced tension and contribute to alertness, the U.S armed forces supplied chewing gum to the troops in the 1st and 2nd world wars and they still do it until now. Indeed, chewing gums is a worldwide favorite...always and forever.

full article in awake magazine