Take one look at the ingredient list on the chewing gum that is sold at most gas stations, grocery stores, and supermarkets, and a long list of chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and artificial flavors will most likely be found. Unfortunately, in most cases, chewing gum –- a favorite childhood treat –- is nothing more that a bunch of chemicals. Luckily, there are options for natural chewing gum.

In general, natural chewing gum is created from natural ingredients, such as sugar and rice syrup. Flavors of natural chewing gum are as delicious as their chemical-based counterparts and include peppermint, spearmint, berry, citrus, and cinnamon. Without the artificial preservatives, sweeteners, and dyes, people can actually enjoy piece after piece of natural chewing gum.

One of the most important benefits of natural chewing gum is the fact that artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, are not used. Aspartame has been linked, in many scientific studies to severe health problems. Memory loss, cancer, weight gain, and fibromyalgia have all been studied in relation to its use. Surprisingly, many brands of chewing gum – even those created for children – have aspartame or other artificial sweeteners as ingredients. Until more definitive studies regarding the safety of artificial sweeteners have been performed, natural chewing gum will guarantee that such ingredients will not be ingested and will promote healthier living.

One brand of natural chewing gum, Glee Gum®, is perfect for gum chewers with allergies and other dietary restrictions. It is free from lactose, gluten, egg, yeast, and soy. In addition, the gum base is made from all-natural chicle. Chicle is sap that is harvested from rainforest trees in Central America called Sapodilla trees – using it supports the local economy and protects the Sapodilla trees from clear cutting. All the rubbers, glazes, waxes and flavors come from natural plant sources –- without the use of any chemicals or animal by-products.

Another brand of natural chewing gum is Xylichew Gum®. It uses a different form of natural sweetener, xylitol. Xylitol is harvested from various fruits and hardwood trees. It actually has been proven to fight dental decay and even repair tiny cavities. It does not leave an aftertaste, but combines well with other natural ingredients in natural chewing gum.

Most brands of natural chewing gum can be found in natural food stores. As the demand for such products increase, they will eventually be able to be purchased from more mainstream retail stores. People who do not have a natural grocer nearby can find websites online that sell it in small quantities or in bulk.