Sitting down for slow, relaxed meals while savouring our food is the ideal way to eat. But in this busy, modern world, that’s not always possible. Many of us wolf down work lunches while sitting at our desks, munch snacks on the go or rush our food at home before heading out. If you’re not one for multitasking meals, you might still be prone to eating your food at an alarming speed. It may have taken 30 minutes to cook, but it’s gone in under 10.
FOUR REASONS EATING TOO FAST IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH
It interferes with digestion
Saliva contains enzymes that break down starches and fats, so not chewing your food for long enough means you’re missing out on part of the first digestive process. Research suggests we need to be chewing the average piece of food 30 times (though tougher/softer foods may require more/less than that).
“Fast eating is linked to several health issues, one being poor digestion,” explains nutrition coach Fenella Hemus.
“Signs of this are acid reflux (indigestion) and stomach cramps – over time, this can cause inflammation, which eats away at the stomach lining.
“Our stomach cannot cope with large chunks of food, so it doesn’t get digested properly, and when we ‘inhale’ our food we take in more air, which produces more gas, causing bloating.”
You lose nutrients
As well as digestive discomfort, failing to chew your food properly may mean you’re not making the most of whatever you’ve consumed.
“Once swallowed, food moves to the gut, where digestive juices and enzymes break it down further,” explains Dr Claire Shortt, nutritionist and lead scientist at FoodMarble.
“If food hasn’t been broken down sufficiently by chewing, then these steps are under pressure and fewer nutrients may be extracted.”
Symptoms of nutrient deficiency can include unexplained fatigue, hair loss, weight loss, dry mouth and increased bruising.
