Published 03:18 IST, November 16th 2019
Eating food with hands: Logic behind the Indian tradition and its significance
Eating food with hands is one of our Indian traditions. Read here to know how eating with hands is beneficial for health.
We have a whole range of Indian traditions that are forgotten over the years. One of the traditions which make us unique is the basic practice of eating with our hands. Eating with hands is more beneficial than eating with spoons. Here some of the benefits which prove that eating food with hands is a healthy habit.
Helps increase blood circulation
This is good news for all fitness freak. Eating with hands is a sort of muscle exercise that increases blood circulation. The excessive movement of the hands helps smooth blood circulation.
Stimulates digestion
As per Ayurveda, when you put food in your mouth you curve your fingers to a form a yoga mudra that has a healing power on the body. Another reason behind this is the presence of resident flora (resident microbiota) in places like hands and mouth. When we eat food with hands, the flora protects our digestive system from harmful bacteria and further stimulates our digestive system.
Temperature sensor
When you eat food with hands, the nerve endings in your fingers sense the temperature of the food. Thereby it prepares your brain for what you are going to be eating. Ayurvedic studies show that our bodies can respond to this food-touch by producing the needed enzymes and digestive juices.
It is hygienic too
Eating with your hands is more hygienic than eating with forks and spoons. You wash your hands multiple times a day, but not the utensils. Hence, eating with hands prevents hygienic problems. Human hands are more hygienic as compared to spoons and other utensils.
May prevent Type-2 diabetes
Studies show that type 2 diabetics tend to be fast eaters who use cutlery to eat food. It causes an imbalance in blood sugar in the body. Hence, to prevent that, ditch the utensils and instead eat with hands that will ensure slow down consciously.
Updated 07:52 IST, November 16th 2019