In a world of forks, spoons and knives, the practice of eating using hands may seem quite obsolete. But around the world, what seems like a cultural ritual is actually an extremely mindful and health promoting habit.
Eating is not just putting food in the belly; it is a sensory experience of touch, taste, smell and sight. When we eat with our hands, all of these senses kick in at once, signaling that it’s time for the body to begin digesting food — even before that first bite has made its way into your belly. This aids in nutrient absorption and promotes gut function.
“Eating with your hands is a millennia-old form of medicine, handed down from generation to generation,” Noida-based dietician Dr Radhika Narula tells Moneycontrol. “It’s an ancient tradition that is designed to support digestion, aid in mindfulness and build immunity,” she explains.
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Boosts digestion
Once the brain receives the signals that a food is about to be consumed, nerve endings in the stomach ready it to release saliva and digestive enzymes when you start eating. This mild transition is beneficial for effective food digestion and a healthy digestive system. And eating with your hands is not just cultural, it’s best biologically for how our bodies actually function.
Promotes mindful eating
Eating with hands forces you to eat slower, therefore consuming less and more mindfully. You pay more attention to textures, temperatures and flavours, and it gets you chewing better without trying to. This awareness deters overeating while allowing the gut to sit at peace with food and invigorate both digestion and emotional satisfaction.
Encourages portion control
Eating with hands leads to spontaneous portion control, bite by bite. That slower and more modest intake gives your gut time to send satiety signals to the brain. Naturally, portion control becomes second nature and eating 5 to 6 healthy meals a day will begin to help your body's metabolism. You won't feel like you are starving yourself, but at the same time nutrition has never been more powerful.
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Strengthens gut microbiota
Even clean hands harbour small, harmless microbes that, when swallowed, help maintain a diverse community of organisms in the gut. This gentle exposure to microbes bolsters the immune system and digestive function. You nourish your tummy with a dose of natural probiotics – strengthening the good bacteria in your gut and creating better long-term health for your intestines, all thanks to simply eating with your hands.
Maintains food temperature safety
Hands are more sensitive to heat/cold and this sensation safeguards the mouth and digestive tract from food that is too hot or cold. By ensuring that food arrives to your body at a safe enough and ideal temperature, you can avoid burns or strain on the gut lining which helps support healthy digestion.
Improves circulation
Hands and fingers make slight but vital movements through taking and lifting bites of food. These continual actions keep the blood flowing and circulation moving. Better circulation indirectly supports the digestive system - nutrients are then absorbed better, and energy does not slump after eating.
Engages multiple senses
Equally important is the multi-sensorial effect of eating with hands: they bring touch, sight, and smell together in a single experience. This process of multi-sensory stimulation enhances brain-gut connection; making the gut anticipatory enough to receive and digest food efficiently.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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