Health
Health Benefits of chewing your food well by Ms Anju Mathur Dementia Consultant and Aging Well Consultant Awarded 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award for Hornsby & North Western Sydney as a Dementia Consultant
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hough it is true that we are what we eat, it is equally also true that we are also how we eat. Experts advise to chew your food at least 32 times before swallowing. Some foods that are harder to chew may require up to 40 chews per mouthful – such as steak and nuts and some fruits like watermelon may require 10 to 15 chews to break down. Chew your food slowly and steadily; chew until your mouthful of food is liquefied or lost all of its texture and finish chewing and swallowing completely before taking another bite of food. There are health benefits associated with chewing food many times at a slower pace. Doing this can reduce overall food intake and give a fuller feeling than eating fast and eating more food. Research shows that chewing food slowly also reduces tendency to snack on sugary snacks later in the day. People who don’t chew their food well enough before they swallow often develop digestive problems, and are also at a greater risk for aspiration, choking, malnutrition.
ach the space and time needed to absorb the nutrients digested from your meal. 3. Sit Down to eat your meal as this can help relax you and aid good digestion. 4. Take a moment before eating and taking Ten Deep Breaths before eating will help put your body in the right state for good digestion. 5. Smell Your Food – The simple act of smelling your food will switch your salivary glands on and get your stomach ready for
the meal you are about to enjoy. And always remember that our digestion process starts with chewing. Not when the food is in your stomach and making simple changes to our chewing habits can be effective in overcoming several health problems. Please continue to have regular health check up with your General practitioner if you have any health concerns/or stomach disorders.
5 healthy Food hygiene tips to start nourishing your body: 1. Take your time when eating – chew at least 32 times before swallowing and remember that your saliva plays a huge role in breaking down food. 2. Avoid drinking liquids 15 minutes before or after any meal and allow your stomDownload Our App
NOVEMBER I 2021
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