What is mastic gum good for? 8 uses + benefits

People around the world have chewed gum for thousands of years, including to freshen their breath, improve their oral health, and assist in digestion.

Among the many types of chewing gums available, Chios mastic gum stands out for its unique origins and chemical composition. Rich in many valuable nutrients—including antioxidants, zinc, and prebiotics—mastic gum offers benefits for your teeth, gut, jawline, and even hormone production and cognitive performance.

In this article, learn all about mastic gum’s uses for facial aesthetics, a healthy gut microbiome, stress relief, and much more.

What makes mastic gum beneficial?

Chios mastic gum is not only a cultural treasure but also a valuable natural remedy with a wide range of health benefits.

Unlike commercial and conventional gums, Chios mastic gum is harvested exclusively from the resin of the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree), which grows on the Greek island of Chios. This distinct tree and its resin have been cherished in Greece and Mediterranean cultures for their medicinal and culinary properties for more than 2,000 years.

Traditionally, mastic gum was chewed mostly to help freshen breath, promote oral hygiene, and support digestive health, including by reducing stomach ulcers and heartburn.

However, we know from recent research, including clinical trials, that mastic gum does much more than fight bad bread—it contains antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that promote overall wellness.¹

Mastic gum is packed with a variety of bioactive compounds, including terpenes and polyphenols, which exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. These compounds help inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, making mastic gum an effective natural remedy for oral infections and gastrointestinal issues.

It also contains essential oils, antioxidants, and resinous acids, such as oleanolic acid and masticadienonic acid, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. And, mastic gum's prebiotics help "feed' beneficial microbes in the gut microbiome, assisting in digestion, nutrient absorption, hormone production, and immune system defenses.

8 uses of mastic gum

What are the practical uses of chewing Chicos mastic gum on a regular basis? Mastic gum works differently than most conventional minty gums, which you chew only for several minutes.

It can be chewed for a long period of time, up to several hours, allowing its nutrients to slowly be released into your body. This helps you to absorb mastic gum's nutrients, such as its zinc and antioxidants, supporting various parts of your body—from your mouth to your intestines.

Below are some of the many ways mastic gum can be used to maintain your health:

1. Cleanses your mouth and freshens your breath

Because Chios mastic gum has natural antimicrobial properties, it's an effective tool for cleansing the mouth of germs and bacteria that can cause unwanted odors, helping to clean your mouth and freshen your breath.

When you chew mastic gum—which you can do for up to several hours at a time if you wish—antimicrobial compounds help inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of plaque formation, tooth decay, and bad breath. Regular chewing of mastic gum can thus contribute to improved oral hygiene and an overall healthier mouth environment.

Read more about the top benefits of chewing mastic gum for oral health in our full guide here.

2. Helps reduce your risk for certain chronic diseases

Beyond its oral health benefits, mastic gum has been associated with a myriad of health-promoting effects throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal, nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems.²

Studies suggest that mastic gum exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which may help combat various diseases such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar, which are associated with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.³

Mastic gum also has the potential to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's stems due to its protective effects on brain cells from free radical damage and neuroinflammation.⁴

By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, blood sugar balance, brain health, and even hormonal balance, mastic gum is one holistic approach to health maintenance into older age.

3. Improves facial bone structure and aesthetics

One of the most sought-after benefits of chewing mastic gum lies in its potential to improve facial bone structure and aesthetics.

The act of chewing gum exercises the muscles of the jaw and face, promoting muscle tone and definition, especially if you chew it thoroughly for several hours. Over time, regular chewing of mastic gum may contribute to a more defined jawline, enhanced facial symmetry, and improve overall facial aesthetics.⁵

4. Supports gut (gastrointestinal) health

Mastic gum can support digestion and gut health thanks to its prebiotic effects, antibacterial activity, and antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

By promoting a healthy gut microbiome—such as by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and helping beneficial bacteria (probiotics) to thrive—chewing mastic gum can contribute to digestive regularity and alleviate symptoms such as duodenal ulcers, ulcers caused by h.pylori infection, bloating, dyspepsia (stomach pain), and gas.⁶

Additionally, mastic gum has been shown to protect the integrity of the gut lining, reducing inflammation and potentially preventing the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This protective effect on the gut barrier may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease.

Read more about the top benefits of mastic gum for gut health in our full article here.

5. Helps relieve stress and fatigue while boosting alertness

In addition to its physical health benefits, chewing mastic gum has been shown to have positive effects on mental well-being and cognitive performance.

The act of chewing gum has long been associated with stress relief and relaxation. When the mouth has something to chew on, it sends signals to the brain and the gut that alleviate feelings of tension, help you to unwind, and lift your mood.

Moreover, the repetitive motion of chewing stimulates blood flow to the brain, promoting alertness and mental clarity while reducing fatigue.

In one study, when healthy adults were exposed to a stressful 30-minute task and then asked to chew gum for 10 minutes, their levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) dropped significantly, demonstrating the calming effects of chewing.⁷

In one analysis of four studies, researchers found that chewing gum during the workday was associated with higher productivity, fewer cognitive problems, and improved worker performance.⁸

6. Can help protect cognitive function and memory

Recently, mastic gum has garnered attention for its potential to support cognitive performance and memory due to its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. It's also known that mastic gum can support a healthy gut-brain axis, which is important for protecting cognitive function and defending against damage to the brain.

Research suggests that the bioactive compounds found in mastic gum, including terpenes and polyphenols, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body (including in the gut). This makes mastic gum a great dietary source of compounds that may help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

By reducing damage and inflammation in the brain (neuroinflammation), mastic gum can potentially preserve cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Furthermore, mastic gum may play a role in enhancing memory and cognitive function through its effects on neurotransmitter systems. Studies have indicated that chewing gum, including mastic gum, can increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in mood regulation and cognitive processes.

This increased neural activity and neurotransmitter release may enhance cognitive performance, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, emerging research suggests that mastic gum may have specific benefits for memory retention and recall, making it a promising natural intervention for individuals seeking to maintain cognitive function as they age.

In addition to its potential cognitive benefits, mastic gum has shown promise in fighting cognitive issues⁹ such as:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)
• Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE)
• Stroke
• Migraine
• Demyelinating diseases, such as Devic syndrome

In the case of Alzheimer's, mastic gum's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are involved in the inhibition of pathological processes. Mastic gum can help fight against accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain which lead to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, helping to preserve cognitive function.¹⁰

Mastic gum may inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying mastic gum's effects on cognitive health, the available evidence suggests that it holds promise as a natural intervention for supporting cognitive function and combating cognitive disorders.

7. Promotes hormonal balance (including testosterone production)

Thanks to its nutrient content and ability to support the gut-brain connection, benefits of mastic gum can include potentially helping to balance hormones and raise testosterone.

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women, but especially for men as it helps with muscle growth, bone density, and even mood. Some studies suggest that mastic gum could naturally boost testosterone levels because it contains compounds like terpenes and polyphenols that fight inflammation and contribute to hormonal balance.

Mastic gum has a high concentration of zinc, which is needed for enzyme reactions that help the body to make and maintain enough testosterone. The zinc found in mastic gum can also contribute to sperm and prostate health.¹¹

Because mastic gum can aid in hormonal balance, its uses can include supporting healthy energy levels, mood stability, physical performance, and healthy body composition.

8. Helps stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol levels

Chewing mastic gum is one way to support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Research suggests that mastic gum can help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.¹²

By enhancing glucose uptake by cells, mastic gum is useful for stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of insulin-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, mastic gum has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects, primarily due to how it blocks some absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and supports the excretion of bile acids. This can lower total cholesterol and LDL "bad cholesterol" which are risk factors for heart disease.

Because it can potentially alter cholesterol and blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider and seek out medical advice before mastic gum regularly if you take medications to manage these conditions.

Key takeaways on mastic gum uses and what it's good for

• The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of mastic gum contribute to its potential to combat disease and support overall health throughout the body.
• Chewing Chios mastic gum offers a natural and effective way to cleanse the mouth and freshen breath, promoting oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental issues.
• Regular chewing of mastic gum may lead to improvements in facial bone structure and aesthetics, enhancing jawline definition and facial symmetry.
• Chewing mastic gum can help alleviate stress and fatigue and boost mental alertness, making it a valuable tool for managing daily stressors and enhancing cognitive performance.
• Emerging research suggests that mastic gum may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially play a role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

This article originally appeared online in 2024; it was most recently updated on June 6, 2024, to include current information.

Jillian Levy

Jillian Levy is a seasoned health writer and certified health coach with a decade of experience crafting informative content for leading health, wellness, and personal development brands.

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