Chewing — The Forgotten Art

Ohsawa considered chewing the most important practice. Recommended 50–100 chews per bite.

Why: Digestion begins in mouth (amylase). Nutrient absorption increases. You eat less naturally. Brown rice becomes sweet after 30+ chews. Mental clarity improves.

Start with 30 chews. Work up to 50. Put utensils down between bites.

Ohsawa believed thorough chewing alone could heal most illness. Modern vagus nerve research supports slow, mindful eating.

Reference:

Wikipedia: Mastication

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastication