Chewing gum can significantly boost your memory and focus.

Research from St. Lawrence University in 2012 demonstrated that students who chewed gum for five minutes before a test performed significantly better than those who did not. This phenomenon is often called 'mastication-induced arousal.' It suggests that the physical act of chewing wakes up the brain by increasing blood flow to the head.A study led by Dr. Andrew Scholey at Northumbria University found that short-term memory improved by approximately 24% and delayed word recall by 35% in gum-chewers. The increased heart rate associated with chewing ensures that the brain receives a steady supply of oxygen and glucose. These are the primary fuels for cognitive function and neural activity.Furthermore, chewing has been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. A 2008 study published in the journal 'Appetite' revealed that participants who chewed gum reported lower anxiety and higher levels of alertness. By reducing stress, the brain can allocate more resources to memory retrieval and problem-solving.The benefits are most effective during the 'warm-up' period of a task. While the boost is temporary, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, it provides a critical advantage during the initial stages of cognitive processing. This makes it a simple yet effective tool for students and professionals alike.