Mastic gum is a sticky substance that is native to the island of Chios in Greece, originating from the mastic tree. It has been known for thousands of years to offer incredible health benefits, such as curing gastroenteritis, preventing cavities and eliminating fungal infections.
It has a slightly sweet taste and comes in a variety of forms, the most popular being in the form of chewing gum. It is also available in powder or capsule form, as well as being added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and other health products, which makes easy to get your hands on.
Here are 8 reasons to make mastic gum a new healthy habit:
1. Soothes Acid Reflux
Mastic gum powder is an excellent soother for acid reflux/heartburn. It has been proven to neutralize acidity in the esophagus, which protects it from discomfort and deterioration.
2. Cures Digestive Disorders
Mastic gum is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial substance which has proven to cure multiple digestive ailments. It helps to relieve bloating, comforts the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and destroys harmful bacteria.
3. Heals Peptic Ulcers
A particular bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori is the dominant cause of peptic ulcers and studies have shown that over 40% of the world’s population could be infected by it. Mastic gum has been proven to destroy it completely, helping to prevent and cure stomach ulcers.
4. Helps to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels
While researching is still ongoing, the current findings have proven that mastic gum can help to reduce the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is linked to improving the count of a certain protein that transports cholesterol in the body, which helps to prevent it from blocking your cardiovascular system.
5. Great for Gums
Mastic gum is such a powerful antibacterial substance that it is now being added to toothpaste and mouthwash to combat gum disease. It helps to reduce plaque buildup as well as destroying harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can also help to prevent mouth ulcers.
6. Great for Your Skin
The high level of antioxidants and antifungal compounds makes mastic gum a great supplement for healthy skin. It helps to reduce free radical damage, which reverses the signs of aging, as well as curing any skin irritations or infections from within.
7. Helps to Prevent Cancer
Studies have shown that mastic gum helps to slow tumor growth and prevent cancer cells from developing, especially in the case of lung and prostate cancer development. In the form of oil, it has proven to be extremely powerful, offering a dense source of antioxidants to rejuvenate cells.
8. Keeps Your Eyes Healthy
An interesting study revealed that by destroying the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, mastic gum helps to prevent glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that harms the optic nerve and causes blurry vision and blindness. The bacteria are destroyed right at the source (in the mouth and digestive system) which prevents it from harming your eyes.
Sources:
http://healthyhubb.com/10-incredible-health-benefits-of-mastic-gum/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastic_%28plant_resin%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori
More Posts By Author Sophie Robinson.