Food is essential for life and not just food but eating the right kinds of foods. The stomach breaks down the food further to better absorb the nutrients, we have to chew it.
Our mouth is the first stage of digestion and we should be eating and chewing the food well before swallowing it. One new study says that eating quickly may lead to certain health issues such as weight gain and heart issues.
Slow Eaters Are Healthier
From preparation of ingredients, cooking and finally, eating, there is a lot happening inside the brain. It sends a signal to the stomach to prepare for digestion and among many others. It’s a complex process but fortunately, we don’t have to deal with it as the system does it automatically.
In this study, the researchers found that slow eaters are less likely to gain weight and develop obesity.
Moreover, slow eaters are also less likely to develop diseases such as diabetes heart disease and strokes, which is also known as metabolic syndrome. This is a health condition in which a person suffers from a combination of these diseases.
Furthermore, metabolic syndrome also includes high levels of bad cholesterols, hypertension or high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar.
Each of these health conditions is already harmful. Imagine a person diagnosed with a combination of these diseases. It can highly likely to develop into cardiovascular health issues and even fatal.
The author of the study, Takayuki Yamaji, M.D., Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan says;
Eating more slowly may be a crucial lifestyle change to help prevent metabolic syndrome. When people eat fast they tend not to feel full and are more likely to overeat. Eating fast causes bigger glucose fluctuation, which can lead to insulin resistance.
Quick Overview of the Study
Takayuki Yamaji and her team recruited 642 men and 441 women with average of 51.2 years. None of the participants have metabollic syndrome back in year 2008.
The participants were assigned into three groups according to their typical eating speed such as slow, normal and fast eaters.
After five years, the researchers follow up the participants and what they’ve found different changes according to eating speed. Here’s the results on how many of the participants developed metabolic syndrome.
Take note that at the beginning of the study, none of the participants have metabolic syndrome. After five years, here are are the results on how many of them have metabolic syndrome;
- 11.6% from fast eaters
- 6.5% from normal eaters
- 2.3% from slow eaters.
Certainly, the slow eaters are no exception in developing metabolic syndrome. However, comparing the difference between fast and slow eaters, the difference is significant.
Although this study is not yet peer-reviewed, yet a previous study1 findings supported the findings of this study.
Additionally, a Harvard article also supports the findings of the study.
Eating Too Fast And Food Taste
It’s not just eating too fast causes metabolic syndrome but it also less likely to taste the food properly. The key to eating is become full and enjoy the food. Most people simply aim the first one and ignore the latter.