When you think about eating, you may think of the work that happens in your stomach and intestines. But the entire digestive process starts in your mouth, with chewing.

Benefits of chewing food

Chewing is the first step of digestion.

1. Chewing and saliva break down and mix food together in your mouth. From there, food goes into your esophagus when you swallow.
2. Your esophagus pushes food into your stomach.
3. Your stomach holds food while it mixes with enzymes that continue breaking down the food so you can use it for energy.
4. When food is digested enough in your stomach, it moves into your small intestine where it mixes with more enzymes that continue to break it down. Nutrients from the food are absorbed in the small intestine.
5. Wastes are sent to the large intestine, known as your colon. The leftover waste is excreted through the rectum and anus.

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Proper digestion starts in your mouth. When eating, be sure to chew your food thoroughly to get the full benefit out of it.

By focusing on chewing many times, you will eat slower. This can improve your digestion, help you eat less, and enhance your overall eating experience.

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