Yoga with Maev

Slow Food

digestion, food,Galway, Yoga, Salthill, pregnancy

When it comes to good health, it's not just what we eat, but how we eat it. Digestion begins in the mouth, where our teeth and digestive enzymes start the break-down food.

These days, most of us rush through the entire eating 'experience' barely acknowledging what we're putting into our mouths. We eat while distracted-working, reading, talking and watching television-and sometimes swallow our food practically whole.

On average people chew each bite of food only eight times- it's no wonder that many people have digestive problems!

Here are my 4 top reasons to slow down and chew your food:

Saliva breaks down food into simple sugars, creating a sweet taste. The more we chew, the sweeter our food becomes (reducing those cravings for after-meal sweets!)

Chewing reduces digestive distress and improves nutrient assimilation, allowing our bodies to absorb maximum nutrition from each bite of food

More chewing produces more endorphins, the brain chemicals responsible for creating good feelings. It's also helpful for weight loss, for when we are chewing well, we are more apt to notice when we are full

Chewing can promote increased circulation, enhanced immunity, increased energy and endurance, as well as improve skin health and stabilize weight.