
When we eat with hands, it takes some time to pick up, break and mix the food. With this, we eat slowly, chew more and our saliva is produced better. Due to this, enzymes and acids are produced in the stomach in the right quantity, due to which food is digested well. Due to eating slowly, problems like constipation are also reduced.

Many of our senses like touch, smell, sight are involved in eating with hands. By touching the food, feeling its warmth and texture, our brain quickly signals that the stomach is full. With this, the habit of overeating can be controlled and helps in controlling weight.

A major benefit of eating food with clean hands is that our body gets to know the mild, bad and dangerous bacteria in our environment. These teach our immune system which bacteria are harmful and which are not. In this way the body naturally increases its ability to fight diseases.

By eating with hands, we feel more connected with our food. We feel its warmth, texture, moisture and taste, which makes us eat better. This is called mindful eating, which is considered very important for mental and physical health these days.

The skin of our fingers is a little thick, so they act like a natural thermometer. When we touch the food with our hands, we immediately come to know whether the food is too hot. This does not cause burning of the mouth or problems caused by eating too hot food.

In India, eating with hands is not just a habit but also a way of showing respect and belonging. This is related to the tradition of seeing food as a ritual. Where food is not just a means to fill the stomach, but a symbol of connection.

Eating with hands is beneficial only if you wash your hands thoroughly before eating. It is important to clean fingers, palms and under the nails with soap and water. If you eat with clean hands, there is no fear of infection or any harm, you get both taste and health.
Published at : 07 Nov 2025 07:01 AM (IST)

