How well do you chew your food? Those of us who inhale our meals may want to slow it down; better chewing has many benefits.
1. PROTECTS YOU FROM ILLNESS
A new study has found that chewing your food can actually protect you from illness by improving your immune system. Researchers found that when you chew, a specific type of immune cell, called Th17, is stimulated.
"Our research shows that, unlike at other barriers, the mouth has a different way of stimulating Th17 cells: not by bacteria but by mastication. Therefore mastication can induce a protective immune response in our gums,” said lead researcher Dr. Joanne Konkel.
2. TRIGGERS DIGESTION/ REDUCES BLOATING, GAS & STOMACH UPSET
The process of chewing increases salvia secretion, which covers your food in enzymes, these enzymes kick off the digestion process within your mouth. Better digestion helps many of the stomach issues that arise from eating quickly.
3. ABSORB MORE NUTRIENTS
When food is in smaller pieces, it is easier for your intestines to absorb nutrients from passing particles, chewing properly also prevents improperly digested food from entering your blood.
4. EAT LESS / ENJOY MORE
When you slow down and really chew your food you become more mindful about eating. You will enjoy the taste of your food much more and you will eat much less.
So slow down, enjoy your food. If eating alone, eat your food mindfully and really chew! When surrounded by friends or family, enjoy the process of eating with the people that truly matter in your life ( life doesn’t get much better than this!) and chew your food as well as you can without causing a scene :). One of my favorite quotes is “ The best cooks know, it is not what on the table that matters but who is in the chairs” .
Wishing you delicious meals eaten mindfully while surrounded by friends & family!!
