The Fascinating Benefits of Chewing 32 TimesChewing FoodFor Health
How many times do we chew each bite? Most of us probably don’t know the answer. We seldom pay attention to what we eat, much less keep track of how many times we chew!
Nevertheless, many people believe that the key to good health is in the number of times we chew. You might not notice, but the simple act of chewing.FoodChewing food 32 times offers remarkable health benefits for both our body and mind, which we’ll explore in this health section of SelMagz.SelMagzWe will discuss these points here.
Why is chewing 32 times so important? In the 1800s, health advocate Horace Fletcher recommended chewing each bite at least 32 times before swallowing, believing it contributed to his strength.
5 Benefits of Chewing Each Bite 32 Times
Several studies, including a recent one from 2016, have demonstrated that chewing food provides astonishing health benefits. Let’s share 5 of these with you.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
Chewing helps people absorb more nutrients. The smaller the food particles, the easier it is for digestive enzymes to break them down and release the nutrients. The more you chew, the more you absorb and waste less.
Less Stress on the Digestive System:
Try a piece of bread—any kind, whether a slice or a crumb.ToastChew it 32 times. When it comes to sugar in the mouth, carbohydrates fully break down. Now, imagine swallowing a piece of bread without chewing. It would stay in your stomach to digest.
No Heaviness After Meals:
We all know the tired feeling after a big meal when our brain feels dull… you know that feeling. This occurs because more blood is directed away from the brain and limbs to the stomach and digestive system.
Chewing each bite completely and quickly can make you feel sleepy after meals, like during lunch. But by chewing slowly, you digest part of the food in your mouth, reducing blood flow to your stomach. The result: you feel light and energized after eating instead of sluggish and sleepy.
Better Management of Chronic Conditions:
What we eat is important, but so is how we eat. The method and number of chews can significantly help manage many conditions like:Irritable Bowel SyndromeInsomnia.
Weight Loss:
Studies show that proper chewing leads to eating less and losing weight. You might think it’s just from getting tired of chewing, but it’s actually that it takes time for our brain to signal that we’re full.
Eating too quickly prevents your stomach from sending fullness signals to your brain, which is why eating more slowly can reduce appetite by about 15%.
Why is the number “32” significant?
- In Indian culture, chewing 32 times correlates with the number of teeth we have, suggesting we should chew once for each tooth. Yet, this number serves primarily as a reminder of the importance of thorough chewing.
- Four Tips for Mindful Chewing
- Avoid eating while driving, watching TV, or texting.
- Select high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables that require more time to chew.
- Set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes for each meal, and stay at the table until then.
- Put your cutlery down every few minutes, and only pick it up after you finish swallowing.
So go ahead, use these simple tips. Set aside 30 minutes for each main meal and observe the health benefits of mindful chewing.
