Is it necessary for a long time to chew food

They say that before something to swallow, it is necessary to something to chew on, counting to 30 (in some versions of up to 20 or even up to 60). We tried it and it turned out that this is a very long time, so there was a question: what for a long time to chew food if your stomach still then all digest? For help, we turned to a gastroenterologist Anna Jurkiewicz.

Gastroenterologist. Author blog about nutrition and health of the digestive system.

Anna Jurkiewicz

Long chewing helpful. The better and finer than the chewed food, the better it is moistened with saliva and subsequently easier to move down the esophagus. Moreover, the process of digestion begins in the mouth: saliva for this purpose is enzymes. Eventually, large pieces can be suppressed.

But do not make frequent gulps: it inhibits peristalsis (contraction) of the esophagus and relaxes the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Do not believe me? Try it!

There is one more thing. We often eat on the go, for the company, for the sake of decency. All this does not allow to enjoy a meal in the fully experience all the flavor notes and to catch in time the process of saturation. Slow and leisurely meal is an essential component of conscious power, thanks you will never overeat and learn how to get from a smaller amount of food the most fun!