Chew on this

What if there was a miracle drug that could make people smarter, increase short and long term memory and improve brain functionality? While this pill does not exist, scientists are starting to believe that chewing gum may actually be the wonder drug people are looking for.

"Chewing gum uses the cognitive motor muscle function," said Dr. Pam Talley, a physician at Wardenburg. "Using this function can stimulate memory as well."

There are numerous studies that support the notion that chewing on gum improves cognition. According to a joint study done by the University of Northumbria, England and the Cognitive Research Unit, they found gum-chewers test scores were 24 percent higher than those who did not chew gum.

According to scientists at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, their study proved that chewing gum has a positive effect on academic performance resulting in higher standardized testing scores and higher overall grades in courses taken.

Some CU students find that chewing gum while studying does have a positive effect on their learning.

"I love to chew gum while I'm studying," said CU student Michelle Bradley. "I really feel like it helps me retain information and focus on what I'm doing."

Why memory improves while chewing is unclear. Dr. Andrew Scholey, Ph.D., a professor of Behavioral Medicine has two theories about these cognitive enhancements.

First, the chewing motion raises a person’s heart rate, which in turn increases oxygen flow to the brain leading to better concentration, memory recall and the like.

The second theory is that when people chew gum, the release of a natural chemical called insulin takes place, which stimulates a section of the brain (the hippocampus) involved with memory recall.

With finals just around the corner, it might be a good idea to bring a few sticks of gum with you to focus. With multiple kinds to choose from, there is a flavor for everyone.