Here’s how many times food should actually be chewed, according to researchers
Here’s how many times food should actually be chewed, according to researchers
Digestion doesn’t begin in the stomach — it starts in the mouth. When food is swallowed in large chunks, the body has to make up for what was skipped. The food reaches the stomach almost untouched — big, poorly processed, and heavy. This leads to bloating, heartburn, and a sensation like there’s a brick sitting in the stomach.
Chewing activates enzymes and prepares the food for further breakdown. The longer the chewing lasts, the less work is left for the rest of the digestive system. Slow chewing reduces strain, helps absorb more nutrients, and generally improves how the body feels after a meal.
There’s no exact number. It all depends on what’s being eaten. Soft bread disappears faster than fried meat or raw carrots. But on average, it’s about 20–30 chews. That’s the number often mentioned in studies on eating behavior.
The number itself isn’t the point — texture is. Food should become soft and nearly mushy before it reaches the throat. Whether it takes 15 or 40 chews doesn’t matter. What matters is that the stomach receives a prepared mass instead of chunks. That way it won’t be overloaded, and digestion will be faster.
It all starts with portion size. There’s no need to overfill the mouth — take only as much as fits on a spoon or fork. This is not only more convenient but also lowers the risk of choking.
Once the food is in the mouth, the jaws take over. Don’t chew on just one side — use both. The tongue helps move the food around while the jaw makes circular motions, breaking it down evenly.
Don’t rush. Swallow only when the food is no longer in pieces. If there’s any doubt, keep chewing. It’s not the number of chews that matters, but the result — a soft mass that’s easy to swallow.
How not to behave at the table while eating
Many people are used to washing down their food with sips of water. But in reality, this does more harm than good. Liquids dilute the enzymes that are meant to break down the food. As a result, the stomach receives a mush — but not the kind it was expecting.
The more water is consumed during a meal, the longer it takes for the food to digest. Instead of helping the body, the process slows down. If you’re thirsty, it’s better to drink about 30 minutes before eating or half an hour after.
It’s also best not to get distracted by conversations during meals, as this increases the risk of choking. Reading, watching videos, or playing games should also be avoided. This advice is especially relevant today, as more and more people are playing online casino games on their phones while eating.
This trend is reflected not only in news reports but also in Google Trends data. It’s relevant across many countries, as online casinos increasingly offer various bonuses and gifts to attract new players. According to experts from the niche website CasinosBonusCA, almost all online casinos in Canada offer a wide range of promotions. Add to that the availability of engaging games right from the phone, and the growing popularity becomes easy to understand.
Many people get so absorbed in these games that they continue playing even during meals. This should be strictly avoided, as it leads to unhealthy eating behavior.