A recent study by Kyungpook National University (KNU) in South Korea suggests that chewing wooden sticks may help improve memory. The findings were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience on November 27, 2024.
Previous research has shown that chewing increases blood flow to the brain and may enhance cognitive function. People who chew more frequently tend to have better cognitive abilities, while those with reduced chewing ability—such as older adults—are more likely to experience cognitive decline.
The brain uses an antioxidant called glutathione to protect itself from oxidative stress, which contributes to aging. In this study, researchers divided 52 university students into two groups: 27 participants chewed gum, while 25 participants chewed wooden sticks. Using advanced brain-scanning technology, they measured the participants' brain glutathione levels before and after chewing.
Participants chewed at a consistent rhythm—once per second—for five minutes. The results showed that the wooden stick group had a significant increase in glutathione levels, while the gum-chewing group showed little change.
Furthermore, memory tests conducted after the chewing session revealed that the memory scores of the wooden stick group significantly improved. These findings suggest that the increase in brain glutathione may be associated with enhanced memory function.
Viewer Comments:
I guess we’ll just have to carry around some ‘chewing wood’.
I hope society becomes a place where chewing on wood doesn’t seem weird.
Since wood has no flavor, I’ll stick to gum.
Source:Chewing wood may boost memory and brain antioxidants, study finds
Comment