Do gum calories count if you don’t swallow it? The answer may surprise you. While it’s true that chewing gum does provide a small amount of calories, the act of chewing and spitting out the gum without swallowing it may not actually result in the ingestion of those calories.
How many calories are in gum?
Most sugarfree gum contains around 5 calories per serving. This may not seem like much, but those calories can add up if you’re chewing gum regularly throughout the day. However, the act of chewing gum and then spitting it out without swallowing may not result in the body absorbing those calories.
Does chewing gum burn calories?
Chewing gum does burn a small amount of calories. The act of chewing requires energy expenditure, which means you are burning a small number of calories while chewing gum. However, this calorie burn is minimal and likely not enough to make a significant impact on weight loss or maintenance.
Is it safe to chew gum without swallowing?
Chewing gum without swallowing is generally safe for most people. However, constantly chewing gum and then spitting it out can contribute to jaw muscle fatigue and potentially lead to jaw pain. Additionally, some sugarfree gums contain artificial sweeteners that may have laxative effects if consumed in large quantities.
The bottom line
In conclusion, while chewing gum does contain a small amount of calories, the act of chewing and spitting out the gum without swallowing may not actually result in the ingestion of those calories. However, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients in gum and to avoid excessive gum chewing to prevent potential negative side effects. So, the next time you find yourself chewing gum without swallowing, rest assured that you may not be consuming as many calories as you think.
