Gum is a candy that is chewed and not swallowed.
The etymology of chicle takes us to the Nahuatl word tzictli . The term is used to name a chewy candy whose consistency is similar to that of gum (a substance found inside some plants).
Chewing gum, in its origins, was effectively a gum resin : a plant secretion that, in contact with air, solidifies. Specifically, it was a product obtained from sapodilla , a tree whose scientific name is Manilkara zapota .
Although sapodilla gum is still chewed in some regions, most of the chewing gum on the market today is made with plastic . Typically, a polymer known as polyvinyl acetate is used.
Origins of chewing gum
It is estimated that chewing gum - also referred to as chewing gum - was born in prehistoric times. Different people used to chew gums and resins from different trees, generally taking advantage of the medicinal properties of the plants.
Chewing gum as a candy as we know it these days, on the other hand, only emerged in the second half of the 19th century . At that time, flavorings began to be added and the natural material from the sapodilla was replaced with a plastic base.
Health effects
Today it is possible to find chewing gum made with various components. While in some cases beneficial health effects are attributed to them, in others the opposite occurs.
When gum does not contain sugar , it can contribute to the care of gums and teeth. This is because chewing helps generate more saliva , which enhances remineralization, neutralizes the acidic components that are part of plaque, and improves oral hygiene in general. On the other hand, increased saliva production reduces appetite.
Many times chewing gum has xylitol . This sweetener minimizes the appearance of cavities , but consumed in excess can cause heartburn, irritation, flatulence and diarrhea.
Sugar gum, on the other hand, promotes demineralization of the teeth . They also promote the development of cavities since they attract the presence of bacteria.
Removing chewing gum from public roads costs big cities a lot of money.
Chewing gum and social coexistence
The simple act of chewing gum produces consequences on a social level. On the one hand, chewing rudely is considered rude ; That is why, in many areas, it is advisable to do without chewing gum.
On the other hand, it is common for people to spit out gum on public roads. Large cities, in this context, usually spend a lot of money on the cleaning tasks that must be carried out to remove them from the sidewalk, banks and other spaces traveled and used by citizens.
A chargey individual
In colloquial language , finally, gum is mentioned as an individual who, due to his attitude, is burdensome or burdensome (uncomfortable, annoying). This is linked to the intention of the subject in question to always pretend to be accompanied by the one he ends up disliking.
Suppose that two friends usually spend much of the day together until one of them becomes a boyfriend. Thus, this boy begins to divide his time . Despite the new reality, the other young man continues to send him hundreds of messages, proposes exit plans and visits him constantly. It can be said, then, that this boy is a chewing gum (or someone chewy ).