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times per mouthful may be optimal for healthy digestion.

How does chewing food impact digestion?

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South Carolina-based gastroenterologist and author ofFiber Fueled

According to Dr. Bulsiewicz, chewing is considered the first step in digestion.

So, why do chewing and digestion go hand in hand?

Lets expand on this.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Chewing obviously breaks down the food.

It introduces food to digestive enzymes found in saliva

Chewing introduces food to key digestive enzymes found in saliva.

Theres a few things that are sort of magical that happen [when you chew].

Young woman mixing ice coffee

For starters, saliva contains digestive enzymes that mix with our food, Dr. Bulsiewicz explains.

Our saliva also contains lipases, which break down fats.

Take kale, for example.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

South Carolina-based gastroenterologist and author ofFiber Fueled

It has plant-based phytochemicals that are cancer fighting.

Think of it like a bomb, Dr. Bulsiewicz explains.

Kale has these two chemicals separated into two compartments.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

So, is there a specific number of bites that we need to do?

Not really, because the issue is food varies.

In turn, Dr. Bulsiewicz highlights the importance of being mindful of your eating rate.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

If people slow down how fast they eat, it affects them metabolically, he says.

His key words of advice: be present, be engaged, and eliminate devices during mealtime.

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