Chewing gum while walking, the heart is healthier.

Original title: Chewing gum while walking, healthier heart
Scientists at Waseda University in Japan have found that chewing gum by the side of the road can help boost heart function, especially for middle-aged and older men.
researchers selected 46 participants between the ages of 21 and 69 and asked them to take part in two randomized controlled trials. The first group ate two scented gums (about 13 kJ each) and walked at a normal rate for 15 minutes, chewing gum as they walked. In the second group, the participants also walked for 15 minutes, taking a powder with the same gum content before walking. The two groups took another 15-minute walk after an hour's rest. Before and after the trial, the researchers measured participants' resting heart rate, average heart rate while walking, walking distance, and walking speed, and calculated total energy consumption during walking using average pace and weight.
results showed that people who chewed gum had a significantly higher average heart rate when walking than the control group, suggesting that their heart function worked better because the heart rate increased during exercise and the resting heart rate slowed down. The researchers said middle-aged and older male participants who walked and chewed gum showed the most positive changes in heart rate changes and total body energy consumption.
experts believe chewing gum may somehow help keep heart rhythms in sync with motor rhythms. This process, called heart movement synchronization, is far more effective at improving heart health in older people than in younger people. (Zhao Pengcheng)