Many friends remind us to chew slowly and thoroughly during meals. Are you still eating in large bites? This is a bad habit. Don't underestimate the diseases it can cause—it can lead to many illnesses, including bladder cancer.
Therefore, to prevent bladder cancer, chew thoroughly and eat slowly. Saliva not only has antioxidant properties but also eliminates free radicals in the body and breaks down carcinogens entering the mouth, effectively reducing cancer incidence. Meal pace should not be too fast; only by "chewing thoroughly and eating slowly" can saliva's anti-cancer benefits be fully realized.
Beyond this, savoring your food offers these remarkable benefits:
It shields your digestive system. Traditional Chinese wellness emphasizes "ant-like eating"—learning from ants to consume small, frequent meals and chew thoroughly. This approach stimulates gastric juices, breaks down food into finer particles, and eases digestion while reducing gastrointestinal strain.Thorough chewing also increases saliva production. The digestive enzymes in saliva aid digestion and form a protective film over the stomach lining. Liu Haifeng, Director of the Gastroenterology Department at the Armed Police General Hospital, notes that older adults with weaker teeth and declining digestive function—characterized by reduced secretion of digestive fluids and slower intestinal motility—should especially practice slow, thorough chewing.
Reduce wrinkles and delay aging.Ma Liping notes that saliva contains salivary gland hormones which participate in promoting skin cell division and proliferation, maintaining skin elasticity. Additionally, Liu Min indicates that chewing exercises the muscles around the mouth, tightening facial muscles. In the Mediterranean region, renowned for longevity, people may spend three to four hours on a single dinner, which is also considered one of the local secrets to longevity.
Cleans the mouth and prevents bacteria. Ma Liping explains that saliva secreted during chewing contains lysozyme and other antibacterial factors, effectively preventing bacteria from lingering and multiplying. This is why wounds inside the mouth generally heal on their own and rarely become infected.
Relieves tension and anxiety. Ma Liping explains that eating slowly and thoroughly chewing food while focusing allows taste buds to fully savor each flavor. Food becomes more flavorful the more it's chewed, satisfying both hunger and the palate. Psychologically, it helps people calm down after a busy day, enabling them to face the hustle and bustle of urban life with a peaceful mindset and uplifted mood.
Effectively control weight. Ma Liping explains that it typically takes about 20 minutes for the brain's nerves to receive signals of fullness. Chewing slowly extends meal duration, stimulating the satiety center in the brain to send the "I'm full" signal earlier, prompting people to stop eating sooner and aiding weight management.
Enhances cognitive function. Dr. Kimiaki Yoneyama, a Japanese neurologist, explains that thorough chewing increases blood flow to the cerebral cortex, stimulating neural activity and effectively boosting brain power.Ma Liping recommends chewing a small handful of raw peanuts or sunflower seeds daily. This not only extends chewing time but also provides nutrients like vitamin E, lecithin, and alpha-linolenic acid, which nourish brain cells and help prevent cognitive disorders.
Protects the alveolar bone and gums. Insufficient chewing can lead to jaw atrophy, weakening the alveolar bone. (Continued on Page 24) (Continued from Page 1) Thorough and frequent chewing strengthens the jaw muscles and promotes alveolar bone health. Liu Min adds that increased chewing also enhances blood circulation in the gums.