In today's fast-paced lifestyle, meals are often rushed between meetings, scrolling on phones, or watching screens. While most people think chewing is only important for digestion, experts say the simple act of chewing food properly may also influence brain stimulation, alertness, and mental focus.

According to Dr. Harish Hovale Bheemrao, Consultant, Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, chewing activates multiple nerves and muscles connected to the brain. "When we chew food properly, the jaw muscles and nerves send signals to different areas of the brain.

This process may help increase blood flow and improve alertness for a short period of time," he explained. The neurologist added that some studies have linked chewing with improved attention, concentration, and memory-related functions.

The brain constantly requires oxygen-rich blood flow and sensory stimulation to remain active, and chewing may act as a mild trigger for these pathways.

"That is one of the reasons some people feel more alert while chewing gum or eating slowly, rather than rushing through meals," Dr. Bheemrao noted.How Chewing Stimulates The Brain

As per a study published in journal BioMed Research International, chewing directly stimulates the brain, significantly boosting alertness, sustained attention, and cognitive processing. The rhythmic muscle action of mastication acts as a physiological "blood pump," increasing blood flow to the head and oxygenating key brain networks.

Source:Ndtv