stuff about chewing!

Saliva Inhibits HIV (p.59)

Saliva contains substances that pervent the AIDS virus from infecting white-blood cells. In a study, dental researchers tested saliva from three healthy men, 35, 40, and 42 years old. Tests indicated the men were not carriers of the AIDS virus and were not known to be at high risk for infection. In laboratory dishes, the men's saliva prevented the AIDS virus from infecting lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is among the immune system cells attacked by the AIDS virus in the body. 

The researchers said the finding might help explain why no cases have been documented in which the AIDS virus was transmitted from person to person through asliva such as through kissing or sharing toothbrushes. The scientsts concluded that saliva is wel known to contain substances that kill bacteria and funguses and so might also be able to block the AIDS virus.

Chewing and Cancer Risk:

An Indian cancer researcher concluded that thorough chewing lowered the risk of cancer. "The proper chewing of meals ensuring that mucous-rich saliva mixed with the food seemed to be protective factors." Cancer also appeared to be more prevalent in south Indian where white rice and considerably more fat, oil and spices are used in cooking than in north India where whole-grain chapatis and thick dahl made with lentils are the staple."

you learn something new everyday!

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the globetrotting gamine