Study: Chewing Gum Boosts Brain Power

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November 30, 2011

Researchers at St. Lawrence University found a distinct "gum advantage" in tests taken by "chewing" and "nonchewing" students. The effect lasted 20 minutes. It seems chewing wakes people up.

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RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. It's a test of the absolute minimum of what one can do - chew gum and walk at the same time. OK, you smart alecks, turns out chewing gum really can boost brain power. Researchers at St. Lawrence University found a distinct gum advantage in tests taken by chewing and non-chewing students. That effect lasts 20 minutes.

It seems chewing wakes people up, which makes one wonder whether gum should really be banned in schools. It's MORNING EDITION.

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