Day 17: The Importance of Chewing

Digestion starts in the mouth. Especially carbohydrates (sugars, starches) start to break down in the mouth through the enzyme amylase found in saliva. I have actually known that for a long time. During the last few days, however, I started to really notice the importance of chewing and insalivating (is that a word?). Just swallowing juice often leads to an uncomfortable and gurgling stomach. If I thoroughly “chew” the juice, however, that problem does not occur.