Answer: Chewing on a pencil
Clues: “Nibble” and “Graphite”
A new study in South Korea found chewing on pencils can improve your memory and help you focus.
People did better on a cognitive test when they were told to chew on a wooden tongue depressor while they took it.
They’re not sure why it helps. But they think it improves blood flow to your brain, and releases an antioxidant called GSH.
They also tried it with gum, and that helped too. Just not as much. But they say more research is needed.
Your dentist won’t like the idea, because you could chip a tooth. But the next time you really need to focus, chewing on a #2 pencil, a popsicle stick, or a wooden tongue depressor might help.