Chewing and Cancer Prevention
Why thorough chewing is a lost art and how it can keep you alive…and more satisfied (and leaner too).
As I munch on some satisfying unsalted peanuts, my goal is to individually destroy and compact each little fat and protein dynamo for the pure joy of simple destruction in a small and harmless way. After all, I’m a dude. Well, it turns out that the extra effort that some people put forth when masticating on legumes can dramatically affect one’s health for the better. And again, on some level most guys can sense that small bit of enjoyment from crunching on some goober peas until an easily assimilated nutrient blast (even better with almonds or walnuts) is ready to be carried away by a swig of liquidy goodness. Okay, no more destruction rants.
The extra chewing can not only ward off unsavory images of post-eaten peanuts looking EXACTLY the way they did before ingested but it can also potentially ward-off nutrient deficiencies and has been suggested that proper chewing can deter cancer and premature death as a result. Gross and wow.
All this from chewing (or lack thereof) is significant. The Ptyalin enzyme found in saliva is the first line of defense to unlock precious nutrients (essentially proactive medicine) in order for humans to survive. Yes, right down to one’s chewing the human body is so geared for survival it’s not even funny. I have to remind myself to keep it simple and get out of my own way. Chewing is one of these things as simple as it may seem. I see slow chewing as a way to have a longer dance with the pallete. You enjoy more and hold onto what's less important (fat).
Oh yeah, I forgot. Taking some extra time to thoroughly chew one’s food will bathe the taste buds in awesomeness unbeknownst by most. Your brain receives WAY more signals of satiety due to the increased chewing and you end up eating less. And...chewing food thoroughly is linked to lower rates of cancer and other illnesses.
A couple of potential reasons that we as modern day humans don't seem to be chewing enough probably has to do with our fast-paced, technology driven society that doesn't seem to allow time for complete and thorough chewing. Seriously, little things like chewing right can mean the difference between a nutritional deficiency and health. And answering that Blackberry text or phonecall just rushed the most important piece of the digestion process and it starts with you.
Additionally, the food matter that we chew now is oftentimes NOT THAT TOUGH TO CHEW. The food many of us eat on a regular basis is so processed that there is no real challenge for all things related to chewing. So, forage for a carrot stick instead of the biggest chip in the bag. Your mouth will thank you for it, your health will improve and you'll eat less.
That’s what I like to call a Win-Win. More enjoyment and less gut. And less tumor-like growth. Rock!
For now, try to completely chew your food before taking another bite and drink plenty of water. Food is fuel and we must treat it as such.
Until next time…train harder and smarter.
Jacob Tyler
www.TylerGrip.com
www.TylerMethod.com
www.twitter.com/TylerGrip
ttyler@tylergrip.com
Why thorough chewing is a lost art and how it can keep you alive…and more satisfied (and leaner too).
As I munch on some satisfying unsalted peanuts, my goal is to individually destroy and compact each little fat and protein dynamo for the pure joy of simple destruction in a small and harmless way. After all, I’m a dude. Well, it turns out that the extra effort that some people put forth when masticating on legumes can dramatically affect one’s health for the better. And again, on some level most guys can sense that small bit of enjoyment from crunching on some goober peas until an easily assimilated nutrient blast (even better with almonds or walnuts) is ready to be carried away by a swig of liquidy goodness. Okay, no more destruction rants.
The extra chewing can not only ward off unsavory images of post-eaten peanuts looking EXACTLY the way they did before ingested but it can also potentially ward-off nutrient deficiencies and has been suggested that proper chewing can deter cancer and premature death as a result. Gross and wow.
All this from chewing (or lack thereof) is significant. The Ptyalin enzyme found in saliva is the first line of defense to unlock precious nutrients (essentially proactive medicine) in order for humans to survive. Yes, right down to one’s chewing the human body is so geared for survival it’s not even funny. I have to remind myself to keep it simple and get out of my own way. Chewing is one of these things as simple as it may seem. I see slow chewing as a way to have a longer dance with the pallete. You enjoy more and hold onto what's less important (fat).
Oh yeah, I forgot. Taking some extra time to thoroughly chew one’s food will bathe the taste buds in awesomeness unbeknownst by most. Your brain receives WAY more signals of satiety due to the increased chewing and you end up eating less. And...chewing food thoroughly is linked to lower rates of cancer and other illnesses.
A couple of potential reasons that we as modern day humans don't seem to be chewing enough probably has to do with our fast-paced, technology driven society that doesn't seem to allow time for complete and thorough chewing. Seriously, little things like chewing right can mean the difference between a nutritional deficiency and health. And answering that Blackberry text or phonecall just rushed the most important piece of the digestion process and it starts with you.
Additionally, the food matter that we chew now is oftentimes NOT THAT TOUGH TO CHEW. The food many of us eat on a regular basis is so processed that there is no real challenge for all things related to chewing. So, forage for a carrot stick instead of the biggest chip in the bag. Your mouth will thank you for it, your health will improve and you'll eat less.
That’s what I like to call a Win-Win. More enjoyment and less gut. And less tumor-like growth. Rock!
For now, try to completely chew your food before taking another bite and drink plenty of water. Food is fuel and we must treat it as such.
Until next time…train harder and smarter.
Jacob Tyler
www.TylerGrip.com
www.TylerMethod.com
www.twitter.com/TylerGrip
ttyler@tylergrip.com
To chew or not to chew...that is the question.
Walnuts are great for the brain. And they kinda resemble a brain...coincidence?
