Chewing well

In your book, Our Wondrous World (Chapter 3), there is an activity: when you eat, chew each bite properly until it breaks into smaller pieces and then into mush.

Why chew so well? Anna explains that chewing properly releases saliva, the watery juice in your mouth, and saliva helps to digest the food. Disha writes Finding #10: chewing breaks down the food and releases saliva, which helps in digestion.

At dinner, Amma warns: 'Do not gulp down your food! Chew your food properly!' Disha writes Finding #13: I must eat my food slowly to avoid choking on it. So take small mouthfuls, chew them well before you swallow, and do not talk or laugh with food in your mouth.

Disha also finds that bad eating habits can lead to indigestion, an uncomfortable, upset stomach.