Food & Drinks

Confectionery refers to a category of food items that are primarily sweet. They come in various forms, textures, and flavours, appealing to different tastes and preferences. Confectionery is commonly consumed for enjoyment, celebrations, special occasions, or simply as a delightful indulgence.

Chewing gum can potentially contribute to jaw muscle exercise, which may help strengthen and tone the muscles of the jawline over time. The repetitive motion of chewing gum involves the activation of various muscles in the jaw.

Chewing gum in moderation is generally considered safe. It's important to note that chewing gum in moderation and choosing sugar-free options can be a better choice for oral health. It's also advisable to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, to minimise any potential negative effects.

Chewing gum typically consists of several key components, which can vary depending on the specific brand and formulation. Here are the common ingredients found in chewing gum:

• A gum base
• Sweeteners or sugar
• Flavourings
• Softeners
• Fillers or bulking agents
• Emulsifiers

Chewing gum can have both positive and negative effects on your teeth. On the positive side, sugar-free chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps in the natural process of remineralisation and neutralising acids in the mouth. However, it's important to note that gum with sugar can contribute to tooth decay if proper oral hygiene practices are not followed.  

Chewing gum itself does burn a small number of calories, but the amount is quite minimal. The exact number of calories burned from chewing gum can vary depending on factors such as the individual's metabolism and the intensity of chewing. Generally, it is estimated that chewing gum burns around 5 to 11 calories per hour.

Chewing gum is designed to be chewed and not swallowed. While small amounts of swallowed gum generally pass through the digestive system without any issues, it is not easily digested like other foods. Contrary to a common myth, gum does not stay in your stomach for years or take a long time to digest. Typically, the body treats swallowed gum like indigestible matter, and it passes through the digestive system relatively quickly. It usually takes around 24 to 48 hours for gum to pass through the digestive tract and be eliminated in the stool. 

Chewing gum can have different effects on hunger levels for different individuals. Some people may find that chewing gum helps to reduce their appetite or cravings, while others may feel that it increases their hunger. The impact of chewing gum on hunger can vary based on various factors such as individual metabolism, the flavour of the gum, and personal preferences.

Chewing gum with braces is generally not recommended. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and other components that are used to gradually shift and align your teeth. Chewing gum can potentially cause damage to the braces or impede the orthodontic treatment process. In addition chewing gum that contains sugar can also lead to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay and cavities.

Yes, you can take chewing gum with you through airport security in the United Kingdom in either your hand luggage or your hold luggage.

Chewing gum is not made of plastic. However, it does contain synthetic polymers, which are similar to plastics. The base of most chewing gum consists of a combination of natural and synthetic materials, including gum base, sweeteners, flavourings, and softeners.

Whether or not chewing gum is vegan depends on the specific brand and formulation. Some chewing gums are considered vegan-friendly, while others may contain ingredients derived from animals or undergo processes that are not in line with vegan principles. 

Chewing gum itself is unlikely to cause weight gain. Gum is a low-calorie or calorie-free product, depending on the formulation and sweeteners used. Therefore, it does not contribute significant calories to your overall daily calorie intake.

Chewing gum may provide temporary relief from acid reflux symptoms for some individuals, but it is not a definitive or long-term solution for managing acid reflux. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which can help neutralise stomach acid and wash away acid reflux irritants in the oesophagus.

Chewing gum loses its flavour primarily due to the release and evaporation of the flavouring agents present in the gum. The flavour compounds used in gum are typically volatile substances, meaning they have a tendency to vaporise or dissipate over time. As you chew gum, the flavour compounds are gradually released into your saliva, and some of them evaporate into the air.

Removing chewing gum from clothes can be a challenging task, but here are some methods you can try:

• Freezing or rubbing an ice cube on the affected area
• Heating and then using a cloth or paper towel to scrape the gum off
• Applying vinegar or oil
• Some commercial stain removers

Sugar-free sweets can be a reasonable alternative to traditional sweets for individuals who are managing their sugar intake or have specific dietary needs. They are often sweetened with sugar substitutes such as artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, which provide a sweet taste without the calories and potential negative effects of regular sugar. In moderation, sugar-free sweets can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. However, it's important to note that some sugar alcohols, when consumed in excessive amounts, can cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhoea.

Sugar-free sweets can be a suitable option for individuals with diabetes, but it's essential to choose them wisely and consume them in moderation. Sugar-free sweets are typically sweetened with sugar substitutes that do not significantly raise blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes who need to manage their carbohydrate and sugar intake.

Yes, sugar-free sweets, particularly those sweetened with certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol, mannitol, or maltitol, can cause gastrointestinal issues including diarrhoea when consumed in excessive amounts.

Sugar-free sweets are generally considered better for dental health compared to regular sweets that contain sugar. However, it's important to note that sugar-free sweets can still have some impact on teeth, depending on the specific ingredients and how they are consumed.

Sugar-free sweets are generally lower in calories compared to their sugary counterparts since they do not contain regular sugar. While sugar-free sweets may not contain added sugars, they still contain calories from other ingredients such as fats, protein, or carbohydrates and can impact glucose levels, which can be counterintuitive to weight loss. It's important to be mindful of the overall calorie content and nutritional composition of the sugar-free sweets you consume.

Sugar-free sweets can be considered keto-friendly, as long as they are low in net carbohydrates and fit within your daily carbohydrate limit on a ketogenic diet. However, it's important to choose sugar-free sweets wisely and check the nutritional information to ensure they align with the principles of the ketogenic diet.

Yes, sugar-free sweets, particularly those sweetened with sugar alcohols, can cause flatulence or gas in some individuals when consumed in excessive amounts. Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol, are commonly used as sugar substitutes in sugar-free products, including sweets.

Yes, sugar-free sweets can cause stomach cramps or abdominal discomfort in some individuals, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. If you notice stomach cramps or other gastrointestinal issues after consuming sugar-free sweets or products sweetened with sugar alcohol, it may be helpful to reduce your intake or choose alternative sweeteners.

Sugar-free sweets can have calories, although the calorie content is typically lower compared to regular sweets that contain sugar. The absence of sugar does not necessarily mean the absence of calories.

Yes, you can purchase chewing gum online from UK Meds.

Yes, you can buy sweets online from UK Meds.

Yes, you can purchase jam online from UK Meds.