Hidden Benefits Behind Eating Using Hands

Illustration of eating with hands (Photo: iStock)

JAKARTA - So far eating with hands is often considered less hygienic. In fact, according to a surgeon from England, this habit can actually benefit health, especially for digestion.

Dr. Karan Rajan, a NHS surgeon and health content creator, explains eating by hand helps the body digest food better, makes you eat more consciously (mindful) to train the immune system.

According to Dr. Rajan, eating using our hands naturally makes us slow down when chewing. This turns out to be good for the digestive system.

"This means that more saliva, enzymes, and stomach acid are released, all preparing the intestines to digest," he explained, quoted from the Hindustan Times page.

"Using your fingers while eating adds to the tactile stimulation that helps with flavor perceptions," he continued.

Dr. Rajan emphasized that the more senses involved when eating such as touch, smell and vision, the faster the brain will feel satisfied.

"It can prevent excessive eating because the brain gets a signal of fullness faster," he said.

This habit also turns out to be useful for endurance. With a note, hands must be clean before eating.

"Eating with clean hands can make you exposed to microbes that are harmless from food, fingers, or the surrounding environment," said Dr. Rajan.

He called this small exposure a practice for the intestinal immune system. According to him, safe microbial exposure can help the body's immune system distinguish which bacteria are harmful and which are not.

In addition, Dr. Rajan also said that the human tip functions like a natural thermometer that can detect food temperature before entering the mouth.

"By touching the food, you can estimate the temperature and avoid the risk of the mouth or tongue burning," he explained.

Even so, Dr. Rajan emphasized that cleanliness is the main thing.

"Wash your hands before eating is mandatory. It cannot be denied." he said.