Chewing more helps eating less
People who usually chew their food more are more likely to take fewer calories, which may help them control their weight, a new Chinese study suggests.
Harbin Medical University researchers compared the chewing habits of 14 young obese men with 16 of their peers who had a normal weight. The participants were monitored during a typical breakfast and then their blood sugar and certain hormones responsible for regulating appetite were measured.
The findings revealed that people who chew each mouthful 40 times eat 12 percent less than the participants who chew each bite for just 15 times.
There was, however, no difference between the portion size in the obese and normal-weight participants.
Scientists believe their findings may help individuals intending to control or lose extra weight as they can lose up to 25 pounds per year by consuming 12 percent fewer calories.
In addition, Jie Li and colleagues found an association between the amount of chewing and the blood levels of hormones such as Ghrelin and CCK that control appetite.
The blood analysis performed 90 minutes after eating showed lower levels of ghrelin and higher levels of CCK in the blood of individuals who chew each portion more. There was, however, no such an association was found between the chewing duration and blood sugar or insulin levels, the researchers reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Scientists suggested that eating quickly, gorging and binge eating have a substantial effect on gaining extra pounds.
"Our results showed obese participants chewed less and ingested more quickly than lean ones," they added, stressing that further lager investigations are needed to confirm the results of this study.
Health experts say eating slowly and chewing bites more may help digestion and absorption of nutrients and also prevents digestive problems.
Source: presstv.ir
