r/science • u/[deleted] • Mar 03 '25

Neuroscience Chewing on moderately hard foods, like wood, might do more than just break down your lunch; new research suggests it could actually boost brainpower by increasing levels of a natural antioxidant, which in turn may improve memory.

[deleted]

3 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

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54

u/FRELNCER Mar 03 '25

I'm disturbed that they're categorizing wood as a food.

7

u/grafknives Mar 03 '25

And it is moderatly hard.

What is really hard food in that scale? Bazalt?

6

u/notworkingghost Mar 03 '25

Right? There are other actually edible tough substances.

6

u/BackgroundBox268 Mar 03 '25

Beavers entering the chat

4

u/DunceCodex Mar 03 '25

3 day old sourdough ought to do it

1

u/Avarus_Lux Mar 03 '25

Liquorice root is rather nice though.

1

u/scarletphantom Mar 03 '25

Have you eaten pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

2

u/eachdayalittlebetter Mar 03 '25

pre-grated? Like “just a normal piece“? Is it harder to get a block of cheese in the US?

1

u/scarletphantom Mar 03 '25

I'm talking about the powdered stuff that comes in the green can from kraft

1

u/eachdayalittlebetter Mar 03 '25

we don't have kraft where I live, but now I know what you mean! ty

5

u/berrylakin Mar 03 '25

Everyone laughed when I started eating wood chips for breakfast

1

u/WazWaz Mar 03 '25

Saving the expensive cereal for dinner?

2

u/TrickyProfit1369 Mar 03 '25

Wonder what type of wood is best for this, something like citrus wood, pomergranate wood?

2

u/rich1051414 Mar 03 '25

I hope this comment isn't considered anecdotal, as I am not intending to argue with the study at all, but since I hate the taste and texture of wood in my mouth, I am afraid I'll have to take an L on this one. To the point of not eating the last bit of ice cream off the popscicle stick.

1

u/ifyouneedafix Mar 03 '25

Ah yes. Wood. My favorite food.