Thursday, September 6, 2007

Ancient chewing gum

Chewing gum was invented in the 1800's but long before that people already has a habit of spitting 'gum'. The 'gum' that was found recently was about 5,000 years old!

Although 5,000 years ago, their 'gum' is actually made from tree bark. Teeth marks is still clearly visible. It's thought people chewed the gum to stop them getting ill, as it contained things called antiseptic compounds, which can kill germs.

Even for that, it amazes me how those people back then manage to find out the benefits of chewing. Now, we have dozens of researchers that helped us out.

By the way, more about chewing gums, did you know? Chewing gum helps you to remember words better, and chewing gums were banned in Singapore for 12 years and till this day only gum aimed at helping smokers to quit is allowed in pharmacies.

Source : 5000 year gum
Source : Gum helps to remember
Source : Singapore gum ban

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