Why do football players chew gum during matches?

Football players are trendsetters in all areas and always try different things before, during and after the match. One of the things that attracts attention is chewing gum before or during a match.

In this way, GOAL analyzes the reasons and benefits of chewing gum during a football match.

Why do football players chew gum during matches?

The mouth becomes quite dry without regular water breaks, as players dehydrate while running. According to Science ABC, your mouth produces saliva when you chew gum because it contains enzymes that help break down food. Saliva is 99% water, so it helps prevent dry mouth and therefore keeps it moist.

This in turn helps players control their water needs during the match. A study from the National Library of Medicine suggests that chewing gum can improve aspects of cognitive function and mood, and some evidence has been found that chewing gum reduces stress.

The same study shows that chewing gum can help calm nerves during stressful events and improve productivity. Football coaches have been seen, most notably Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti, chewing gum during matches to manage their stress levels.

Chewing gum can be a habit that some football players or even coaches may have. But at the professional level, every minute of head start makes a difference. Chewing it has been shown to reduce stress and increase salivation, which may also have some sporting benefits.