Chew Food. Really!

Did your mother ever tell you to chew your food? Did you just ignore your mother, like many of us do? She gives too much advice, you might think.

Why does chewing your food matter?

Digestion actually begins in the mouth. Think of it like a powerful blender.

When you chew, you break food into smaller parts. This increases the surface area. Enzymes can then work better. The first of these enzymes is amylase. It breaks down starch. All of this happens before you swallow.

Saliva is not just water. It has enzymes, mucus, and electrolytes. The food is moistened by it making it slippery. Easier to push down the throat. Saliva begins the process of chemical digestion.

But we no longer chew.

We consume hyper palatable soft food. Processed meals. They slip down your throat with no effort.

Lack of chewing prevents signalling of the glands. Your digestive process does not start until much later.

The stomach has to work harder. The food ferments. You feel bloated, heavy and tired.

Chewing also signals the digestive system. Acids are produced. Enzymes get ready. Hormones like insulin start their work.

All from the act of chewing.

Remember when we are eating, we are supposed to be in the rest and digest phase. Which means that your mind is calm, your body is calm and you are turning to nourishing your body.

But eating today has become a thing that you do on the run. I am equally guilty. I stand and eat. I eat in the elevator. I eat in the car.

Eating is meant to be done sitting down, in a calm and rested state, ideally with your friends and family around, languidly, as you chat, laugh, joke.

That is when digestion takes place.

If it is quality food you are eating, you will never feel the ill effects of a meal.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain