(NaturalHealth365)  Eating speed is a very personal thing.  Some people gobble down their food while others linger and savor every bite.  While it may not seem that eating speed is an important issue, the truth is that several studies are seeing some startling correlations.

If you are a fast eater, you might want to slow down.  Japanese researchers have found a link between fast eating and several serious medical conditions.  Eating speed has been linked to metabolic syndrome, which can significantly affect your health in several ways.

Researchers link eating speed with metabolic syndrome

The study showed that eating fast can be harmful.  Researchers found a relationship between eating rate and metabolic syndrome, a term for five risk factors that can lead to several cardiometabolic conditions:

High blood pressure

High blood pressure – or hypertension – is the abnormally high force of blood against arterial walls.  According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.  Prolonged high blood pressure can cause severe strain on the heart and other organs.

High triglycerides

These are fats in the blood, and high levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, fatty liver, and problems with the pancreas.  Normal triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dl.

High blood sugar

Also called hyperglycemia, this condition occurs when the glucose in the blood is too high because the body does not have enough insulin to process it or when the body is unable to process insulin properly.

Low “good” cholesterol

A somewhat faulty categorization suggests that our cholesterol molecules can be divided into two distinct groups, good and bad.  Sticking with this theory, HDL cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol because it helps keep the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in check.  When cholesterol gets too high, it can cause heart problems.

But, for the record, cholesterol is a much more detailed topic … if you want to learn more about this topic, let us know in the comment section below.  Generally speaking, cholesterol is not as “bad” as Western medicine would have you believe.  In fact, we need this substance for healthy brain function, especially as we age.

Large waist circumference

A large waist is a strong indicator of excessive abdominal fat and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related conditions.

Learn to eat slower with these simple strategies

If you are accustomed to eating fast, it can be hard to break that habit.  However, it can and should be done so you can minimize the risk factors that are associated with fast eating.  When you eat:

1. Shut down your devices
2. Chew your food more
3. Drink clean water in between meals
4. Only eat when you feel hungry
5. Set your fork down in between bites
6. Focus on what you eat, taste, smell, and texture, and savor every bite.

Slowing your eating speed can help you enjoy your food more and reduce your risk of health issues.  The benefits of eating slower include better digestion, a calmer nervous system and better immune function.  So why not make a conscious effort to slow down the pace at which you eat?

Sources for this article include:

MedicalNewsToday.com
TandFOnline.com
Heart.org