Mastic gum is the resin of the evergreen mastic tree, native to the Chios island in Greece where it is known as ‘mastiha’. It offers astonishing health benefits, such as curing digestive disorders, improving dental health and lowering cholesterol levels.
Mastic gum has been chewed for thousands of years to cure multiple ailments ranging from snake bites to preventing cavities. In fact, the English word masticate, which means ‘to chew’ is derived from mastic gum. It is mildly sweet to the taste and due to its rise in popularity, is sold in many forms: chewing gum, oil, toothpaste and powder. It is also sometimes used in ice-cream, sauces and preserves.
Mastic gum used to be so valuable that it was worth its weight in gold! Here are 10 reasons to get your hands on some:
1. Improves Digestion
Studies have shown that frequent chewing of mastic gum helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn’s disease and indigestion. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory, which also helps to reduce bloating and infectious inflammation in the gut.
2. Destroys H.Pylori Bacteria
Research has shown that 40-50% of the world population could be infected with a bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori, which causes peptic ulcers. Intensive studies revealed that regular chewing of mastic gum destroyed this bacterium in both the mouth and stomach, which greatly reduces the risk of developing ulcers.
3. Improves Dental Health
Mastic gum is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal substance that has proven to destroy bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth. It can be used in the form of gum, mouthwash or toothpaste, as they are all equally effective at improving dental health.
4. Helps to Lower Cholesterol
Studies are inconclusive and ongoing, but the results are clear: mastic gum powder helps to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. It has been linked to improving the levels of a protein that is responsible for transporting cholesterol, which likely helps to reduce the buildup in the cardiovascular system.
5. Reduces Acid Reflux/Heartburn
Because mastic gum is so versatile and can be used in so many forms, it has proven to be excellent for heartburn when used as a supplemental powder. It has the perfect pH level to promote alkalinity, which dissolves away the acidity that causes a burning sensation in the esophagus.
6. Powerful Aphrodisiac
Since the Ottoman Empire, mastic gum has been known as a powerful aphrodisiac that was worth its own weight in gold. Recent studies have confirmed that the excellent levels of zinc in mastic gum helps to enhance prostate functioning, which raises the libido in men.
7. Helps to Prevent Cancer
Studies were conducted to assess whether mastic gum oil had any impact on cancer cells, and the results were remarkable. Not only did mastic gum oil help to slow tumor growth, but it also helped to reduce the risk of lung and prostate cancer. The effect is likely due to its high antioxidant and mineral content.
8. Helps to Prevent Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye’s optic nerves which leads to blurry vision and blindness. Studies have shown that mastic gum helps to destroy bacteria in the digestive tract before it gets absorbed into the bloodstream, which has been directly linked to preventing glaucoma.
9. Keeps Cells Full of Vitality
Mastic gum is full of antioxidants, which has been proven to reduce free radical damage and to rejuvenate living cells. This helps to reduce ageing as well as protecting vital organs from disease and deterioration, keeping you young and full of vitality.
10. Cures Multiple Infections
Because mastic gum is such a powerful anti-inflammatory and antifungal substance it has been linked to reducing the symptoms of multiple ailments, such as skin infections and candida overgrowth. It has also been shown to protect the liver from infection, helping to prevent liver disease.
How to incorporate it into your day:
There are multiple varieties of mastic gum available for purchase online and both regular and Chios mastic gum is available in the form of chewing gum, powders and capsules.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastic_%28plant_resin%29
https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori
https://info.achs.edu/blog/bid/331779/Top-5-Reasons-Why-You-ll-Love-Mastic
