A healthier and connected way to eat

A healthier and connected way to eat

The tradition of eating with your hands in different cultures

The food with hands is a long -term tradition that can be found in many cultures around the world. More than one way to absorb food combines people with their cultural identity and their common history. In various parts of Africa, such as Ethiopia and the coastal countries of West Africa, touching the food is an integral part of the eating experience and links every bite with a common past. Likewise, the food in South Asia is viewed with the hands as a natural expansion of the meal and gives it a personal touch that emotionally connects people with their food.

These traditional eating habits, which have been handed down by past generations, have a rich historical importance. They embody values ​​such as modesty, community and the simple joys of life, which were often passed on by family elder. Every meal together continues this legacy.

However, today's global society often prefers standardized norms, with cutlery being used more and more and traditional practices take a back seat. This trend is not only a change in our eating culture, but also a change in the cultural standards.

Health advantages of eating with the hands

The food with your hands is common in many cultures and is often praised because of its ability to improve the sensory experience in eating. However, new research suggests that this traditional approach also offers several health benefits and supports the idea that sometimes old practices contain permanent wisdom.

Funding Eighth names of Essen: If you eat your hands, you are much more conscious of your food and eating rhythm. This mindfulness not only enables a greater enjoyment experience, but also reduces the risk of excessive food. The physical touch of food is present at the present moment, which may help prevent eating disorders and compulsive overeating.

Support of digestion: The hands house a variety of bacteria that contribute to a healthier microbial environment. Researchers have found that the advantageous bacteria on the skin can help to combat harmful intestinal flora and pathogens and thus support digestion. However, it is important to wash the hands thoroughly before meals in order to insert only helpful bacteria into the intestine.

Promotion of portion control: Psychologically speaking, you tend to eat less with your hands, as you are more aware of the food process. Singing food makes a naturally sensitive to the body's hunger and satiety signals, a concept that is supported in studies on consumer behavior and cognitive processing.

Receive the joint flexibility: Using your hands and fingers for eating includes fine motor skills that keep the joints flexible in your fingers. Although it is a subtle activity, it is effective, especially for people who want to keep their hands and fingers movable.

Strengthening immune function: A study by the Journal of Applied Microbiology suggests that a certain exposure to the environmental microbiota is important to build a balanced immune system that is able to combat infections. The food with clean hands puts the body of small amounts of bacteria, which may help develop resistance to harmful microbes.

Improvement of mental health: Eating with your hands not only offers physical food, but also contributes to mental health. Research in the field of occupational therapy suggests that the tactile interaction when eating can be comforting and convey a feeling of satisfaction. This direct touch with the food can help reduce stress and convey a feeling of fulfillment that goes beyond the taste and nutritional value of the meal. The practical experience promotes the mindful food and can make any meal more satisfactory and calming.

misunderstandings about the food with your hands

The food with your hands is common in many cultures worldwide, but is often criticized, mainly due to hygienic concerns. This traditional approach means that the food is directly touched and thus differs from the use of cutlery such as forks, knives and spoons that are common in many places.

misunderstandings:

dirty: people often think that their hands are dirty because they touch many surfaces and are therefore unsuitable for the food.

unzivilized: Some consider the food with their hands as backward or as a lack of cultural refinement and ignore the global cultural importance it has.

Health risks: There is a assumption that the food with the hands increases the risk of diseases compared to cutlery without taking into account the role of thorough hand washing.

facts:

Control over cleanliness: The hygiene argument falls short because germs can be effectively removed by washing your hands. Cultures that practice eating with their hands traditionally integrate hand washing before meals.

cultural value: eating with your hands is not primitive, but a significant cultural practice. It is a conscious ability that promotes a sense of community and respect for food.

Security in hygiene practices: The idea that the food with your hands is unhealthy ignores the fact that cutlery can also accommodate germs. Hands, if they are washed properly, can be more hygienic because people can control their cleanliness directly.

food with your hands: practical tips for beginners

If you are new to your hands in the practice of eating, it may mean some challenge at first. With a few practical tips, however, you can quickly familiarize yourself with this cultural practice. Here are some guidelines that should help you master this new experience:

Torchy hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you sit down. Cleanliness is crucial and this step is a respected ritual in cultures that support the food with your hands.

Use your right hand: in many cultures it is common and polite to use the right hand to eat. The left hand is traditionally considered to be impure in these cultures and is only used for hygienic purposes in the bathroom. Be careful and in case of doubt what others do.

take appropriate portions: do not grab large quantities, but take a small amount that you can eat in one or two bite. It's about making the food easier and at the same time showing respect for food without waste it.

Be careful and use your fingertips: Use your fingertips to absorb the food. It is not necessary to grab food with the whole hand. Be careful and lead the food to the mouth by leaning your head slightly forward to avoid spots.

Take your time: Enjoy the meal alone. The food with your hands is not a hasty process. It is about enjoying the experience and aromas of the food, of which many believe that they are intensified by the direct contact by hand to food.