Discover the Mayan origin of chewing gum

Chewing gum, also known as gum chewing, has different uses. On one hand, there are countless flavors that explode on our palate. Additionally, it helps combat bad breath or even to quit smoking. But did you know that gum originated from the Mayans? We tell you the story! You can also read: How to whiten your teeth using natural ingredientsWhere does gum come from?Natural gum comes from a resin found in the tree of chicozapote, present in the Yucatán Peninsula. The word gum comes from the Nahuatl tzictli, which means sticky thing. In ancient times, the Mayans used gum for hygienic, medicinal, and ritualistic purposes. They chewed it before religious ceremonies, but also to increase saliva production or to reduce thirst during droughts, as well as to clean their teeth. On the other hand, it is said that the Aztecs also chewed gum. Experts report that Bernardino de Sahagún explained that single women would chew it in public. Generally, it is accepted that they used gum for 3 purposes: to avoid bad breath, reduce thirst, and mitigate hunger.  Although today’s commercial chewing gum does not contain this natural ingredient, the resin from the chicozapote tree was key to the creation, development, and production of gum as we know it today. The Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service explains that, during the early 20th century, Mexico imported around 4 million kilos of this resin to the United States. However, the demand for gum in that country was so great that natural resin was replaced by synthetic compounds to increase production and was also more economical.  See more: Natural ingredients you can use to clean your teeth10 Fun Facts about Gum1. World Gum Day is celebrated every January 13th. 2. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which prevents bacteria from proliferating in the mouth. 3. Experts indicate that chewing gum could help reduce stress and anxiety.  4. The most expensive gum in the world was priced at $14,000, as it had been chewed by Britney Spears.  5. The most popular color of gum is pink. 6. It increases the production of gastric juices, which would be useful after eating.  7. Avoid gum with sugar, as it damages teeth.  8. There are brands that offer natural gums, without chemicals and biodegradable.  9. Chicleros are the workers who climb trees to extract the resin to make chewing gum.  10. John B. Curtis marketed gum in 1848. You might be interested in: 4 foods that can cause bad breathEnjoy gum and take care of the environmentWe know that gum is delicious and you love it, but when you chew it, keep the following in mind: Choose natural or sugar-free gums to avoid cavities. Don't throw it on the street! Birds may confuse it with food and it will stick to their beaks. The best way to dispose of it is to place it in its original wrapper and put it in a trash bin.