Is Simply Gum Good for You? A Deep Dive into Natural Chewing
Simply Gum can offer certain benefits compared to traditional gums filled with artificial ingredients, but its overall impact on health is highly dependent on individual circumstances and chewing habits. While a better choice than conventional gums, moderation and awareness are still crucial.
A Return to Natural Chewing: The Simply Gum Story
Simply Gum aims to provide a more natural and transparent alternative to conventional chewing gum brands. The core principle is to replace synthetic rubber bases, artificial sweeteners, and undisclosed ingredients with plant-based alternatives and clear ingredient lists. This approach resonates with consumers increasingly seeking cleaner and more sustainable food choices.
Decoding the Ingredients: What Makes Simply Gum Different?
The key distinction lies in Simply Gum’s ingredient profile. Unlike most commercial gums, it avoids synthetic rubber and relies on ingredients sourced from nature. Let’s examine these differences:
- Gum Base: Traditional gums use a synthetic rubber base, often labeled vaguely as “gum base.” Simply Gum uses chicle, a natural tree sap.
- Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, prevalent in conventional gums, are replaced with natural sweeteners such as cane sugar or xylitol. Some Simply Gum varieties also include maple syrup or agave.
- Flavorings: Artificial flavors are eschewed in favor of natural flavorings derived from sources like essential oils and spices.
- Other Additives: Simply Gum avoids artificial colors, preservatives, and other synthetic additives commonly found in mainstream gum brands.
Potential Benefits of Choosing Simply Gum
Opting for Simply Gum offers several potential advantages:
- Reduced Exposure to Artificial Ingredients: This is the primary benefit. By eliminating artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, you reduce your intake of potentially harmful substances.
- Natural Gum Base: Chicle is a biodegradable, natural resource, making it a more sustainable choice compared to synthetic rubber.
- Xylitol Option for Dental Health: Some Simply Gum flavors contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol known to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Transparency and Ingredient Awareness: Clear ingredient lists allow consumers to make informed decisions about what they are chewing.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While Simply Gum offers advantages, it’s not without potential drawbacks:
- Sugar Content: Some varieties use cane sugar, contributing to sugar intake and potentially impacting blood sugar levels. Even natural sugars should be consumed in moderation.
- TMJ Issues: Excessive chewing of any gum, including Simply Gum, can exacerbate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Cost: Simply Gum is generally more expensive than conventional gums.
- Environmental Concerns: While the chicle base is more sustainable, the overall environmental impact of packaging and transportation should still be considered.
The Chewing Process and Oral Health
The act of chewing, regardless of the gum used, can stimulate saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, which can protect teeth from decay. However, chewing gum is not a substitute for proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Consumers sometimes fall prey to these misconceptions regarding Simply Gum:
- Thinking it’s a health food: While healthier than conventional gum, it’s still primarily a chewing product, not a nutritional supplement.
- Ignoring sugar content: Assuming “natural” equates to “sugar-free.” Always check the label.
- Over-chewing: Believing more chewing is always better for dental health, potentially leading to TMJ issues.
- Neglecting oral hygiene: Relying solely on gum for oral health without brushing and flossing.
Comparison Table: Simply Gum vs. Traditional Gum
| Feature | Simply Gum | Traditional Gum |
|---|---|---|
| Gum Base | Chicle (natural tree sap) | Synthetic rubber |
| Sweeteners | Cane sugar, xylitol, maple syrup, agave | Aspartame, sucralose, high fructose corn syrup |
| Flavorings | Natural flavorings (essential oils, spices) | Artificial flavorings |
| Colors | Natural colors | Artificial colors |
| Other Additives | Minimal additives, natural preservatives | Artificial preservatives, numerous additives |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Environmental Impact | More sustainable (chicle), less waste | Less sustainable (synthetic rubber), more waste |
Determining What’s Right for You
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to chew Simply Gum depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a chewing gum option with fewer artificial ingredients and a more sustainable gum base, Simply Gum is a reasonable choice. However, be mindful of the sugar content, potential TMJ issues, and the importance of maintaining good overall oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Simply Gum
1. Is Simply Gum sugar-free?
No, not all Simply Gum varieties are sugar-free. Some flavors contain cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave. However, they also offer flavors sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can benefit dental health. Always check the ingredient list.
2. Can Simply Gum help with bad breath?
Yes, chewing Simply Gum, like any chewing gum, can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that contribute to bad breath. However, it’s not a substitute for proper oral hygiene and addressing the underlying causes of halitosis.
3. Is xylitol in Simply Gum safe?
Xylitol is generally considered safe for human consumption. It’s a natural sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables. However, in large quantities, it can cause digestive upset in some individuals. It is also highly toxic to dogs.
4. Is Simply Gum biodegradable?
The chicle base of Simply Gum is indeed biodegradable, unlike the synthetic rubber found in conventional gums. This means it will break down naturally over time, reducing its environmental impact. However, the packaging may not be biodegradable, so proper disposal is still important.
5. Can Simply Gum help with weight loss?
Chewing gum can potentially aid in weight management by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism slightly. However, the effect is minimal, and it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
6. Is Simply Gum safe for people with diabetes?
Individuals with diabetes should carefully check the ingredient list of Simply Gum. If it contains cane sugar, they should factor the sugar content into their meal planning and blood sugar management. Xylitol-sweetened varieties might be a better option, but consultation with a healthcare provider is always recommended.
7. Can Simply Gum cause TMJ pain?
Excessive chewing of any gum, including Simply Gum, can exacerbate TMJ disorders. If you experience jaw pain, clicking, or popping while chewing, reduce or discontinue gum chewing and consult with a dentist or TMJ specialist.
8. Is Simply Gum vegan?
Most Simply Gum varieties are vegan, as they use plant-based ingredients and avoid animal products. However, some flavors might contain honey or beeswax, so it’s vital to check the ingredient label if you adhere to a strict vegan diet.
9. Where can I buy Simply Gum?
Simply Gum is available at many health food stores, grocery stores with natural food sections, and online retailers such as Amazon and the Simply Gum website. Availability may vary depending on your location.
10. What flavors of Simply Gum are available?
Simply Gum offers a variety of flavors, including peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, ginger, maple, coffee, and fennel. The availability of specific flavors may vary depending on the retailer.
11. How does Simply Gum compare to other natural gums?
Several other natural gum brands exist. The best choice depends on individual preferences and needs. Compare ingredient lists, sweeteners used, and sustainability practices to find the gum that aligns best with your values.
12. Can children chew Simply Gum?
While generally safe, Simply Gum should be given to children with caution. Consider their age and chewing habits. Supervise them to ensure they don’t swallow the gum. Xylitol is safe for children, but it can have a laxative effect in large amounts. Always consult with a pediatrician or dentist if you have any concerns.