Don't Eat Your Food In A Hurry: Expert Lists Benefits Of Eating Slowly

Do you have a habit of gulping your food quickly? Do you often grab a quick bite when running late for work? If yes, you must avoid this and start enjoying every bite. Yes, eating slowly has multiple benefits compared to eating quickly. We spoke to our expert Dr DP Singh, MD Internal Medicine, Regency Superspeciality Hospital, who listed the health benefits of eating slowly.

Health Benefits of Eating Slowly

Eating slowly is generally considered better for your health compared to eating quickly. Here's why:

Digestion

Dr Singh said, “Eating slowly allows your digestive system to work more efficiently. Chewing food thoroughly helps break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it easier for enzymes in your saliva and stomach to break down nutrients.”

Weight Management

Another benefit of eating slowly is that it helps you manage weight. According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), reducing the speed of eating seems to be an effective approach to decreasing food consumption.

Dr Singh added, “Eating slowly gives your body more time to register feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating and promote better weight management. When you eat quickly, you may not realise you're full until you've already consumed excess calories.”

Also Read: Can Eating Before Bed Cause Weight Loss? Here's What Expert Has To Say

Blood Sugar Control

Yes, you may be unaware but your way of eating can affect your blood sugar levels too. Dr Singh said, “Eating slowly can help stabilise blood sugar levels. Rapid consumption of food can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, which may be detrimental, especially for individuals with diabetes.”

Mindful Eating

Dr Singh noted, “Eating slowly encourages mindful eating, where you pay attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations of each bite. This can enhance your overall eating experience and promote a healthier relationship with food.” Moreover, you also limit the intake of processed food as you are more likely to pay attention to nutritious meals.

Reduced Risk of Digestive Issues

Eating too quickly can increase the likelihood of digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and acid reflux. Chewing food properly can help prevent these issues as it aids in digestion by breaking more food.

Good for Oral Health

Chewing food slowly can also help in supporting your oral health. This is because more saliva is produced when you chew more, which is good for your teeth. Saliva removes food particles from your teeth, preventing bacteria from mixing with food and causing tooth decay. Therefore, the longer you chew, the more you safeguard your teeth and maintain a healthy balance of minerals, sugars, and acids in your mouth.

Enjoyment of Meals

Slower eating allows you to savour and enjoy your meals, making the dining experience more satisfying.

Ways to Adapt to Good Eating Habits

• Avoid distractions while eating i.e. don't watch TV, use your phone, or eat while driving.
• Don't stand and eat. Instead, sit properly and enjoy your meal.
• Set a time for eating (20-30 minutes). This helps you maintain a pace while eating.

Bottomline

Dr Singh concluded, “It's important to note that there may be specific situations, like competitive eating events, where eating quickly is the goal, but for everyday health and well-being, eating slowly is the preferred approach.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any complications or have any queries.]