SUBWAY® Stores recommend mastication for better taste and health
18 May 2010
MASTICATE MORE FOR BETTER TASTE AND HEALTH
THE SUBWAY® CHAIN RECOMMENDS CHEWING MORE FOR THE ULTIMATE TASTE JOURNEY
A survey carried out by the SUBWAY® sandwich chain has today revealed that 93% of Brits are not masticating as much as they should be and their taste buds and general health are suffering as a result. Questioning 1,000 people, the recent study shows that Brits are severely below average, chewing their food just six times before swallowing it - in stark contrast to the recommended average of 20 times.
Doctor David Kaushal, who is working closely with the SUBWAY® chain to launch its new Peri Peri Chicken Sub, which is being used to educate consumers on how to chew their food correctly, says that "it's time we started to masticate more". Encouraging mastication through the stimulation of its combination of flavours, the new Sub will be the first to include details on the recommended number of Chews Per Product (CPP rating), the Chain plans to include this online alongside all its products in the future.
Clearly highlighting the importance of slowing down and chewing more, the recent survey showed that 25-34 year olds, typically busy working professionals, are the worst culprits - chewing their food only 5.6 times on average; while people in the North West and London are the worst regional offenders (with an average of 5.7 chews).
15% of Brits say that they occasionally or regularly eat a meal while walking, while 44% say they regularly or usually eat a meal while working. Only half of us regularly sit down to eat a meal at a table, while 55% regularly do so while watching TV and 52% regularly or occasionally eat a meal in a hurry.
Almost one in five of those questioned said that they usually rush breakfast, with 17% usually rushing lunch. Dinner is the least rushed meal of the day, with just 8% saying they usually rush it and only 3% saying they always do. Again, 16-34 year olds were shown to be the most likely to rush all meals.
Dr David Kaushal says: "When the idea of sitting down for a relaxing meal, that focuses truly on the enjoyment and nutritional benefits of food, takes second fiddle to the pressures and stress of our modern-day, on the go lifestyles, it is no surprise that many people do not slow down when they eat, and take time to chew their food."
He goes on to say: "Most people think that digestion begins in the stomach. Yet, with proper, health-promoting digestion, this process actually begins in the mouth. The process of chewing is a vital component of digestion that occurs in the mouth, inextricably linked to good digestion and therefore, good health."
The SUBWAY® chain is urging its customers to masticate more! With a CPP of 500 (based on 25 chews per mouthful), the new Low Fat Peri-Peri Sub is being used to get customers thinking about their chewing habits and how to get the most satisfaction and taste from their mealtimes. Dr Kaushal says: "The brain needs to know that the food is being enjoyed, so it is essential to allow those taste buds to experience every flavour of this zesty, spicy Per-Peri sauce, created from a delicious blend of chilies, pepper, lemons and lime."
To complete the Mastication Masterclass please visit www.subway.co.uk and click through from the homepage.
Notes to Editors:
The SUBWAY® Peri -Peri Chicken Sub contains less than 350 calories (per 6" sub) and with the inclusion of salad, also provides the recommended five a day helping of fruit and veg. As a substantial sandwich, it is essential that customers take enough time over the meal. Chewing thoroughly and easting slowly also gives your brain a chance to receive signals of fullness and makes digestion easier.
The SUBWAY® Chain's Mastication Master-class:
The answer to a healthy digestive system and increased taste experience is to masticate more and focus more on the process of eating. See below for the SUBWAY® chain's Mastication Master-class:
1. Use your teeth:
Cut or bite your food into small, manageable pieces-use your teeth! Having more to chew will allow you to gain the best nutritious value from each morsel in your mouth.
2. Masticate
Chew each mouthful of food thoroughly, chewing between 10 and 50 times. The number will vary with each person. Size, gender, age and other factors can all contribute to your saliva production and breakdown abilities.
3. Use your tongue:
Follow the simple rule of: if you can still determine the food texture in your mouth (not taste), you haven't chewed it enough. For example, if you are eating a SUBWAY® sandwich and you can still tell the difference between the bread, salad and chicken by texture, keep on chewing.
4. Chew everything:
Chew semi-liquid foods, such as yogurt, just as you would solids. While you might take slightly fewer chews, it is important to get the enzymes in your saliva working. This only happens through chewing.
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