Puree, ice cream, smoothies or cheese macaroni … difficult to resist them. Indeed, soft foods often evoke childhood memories, simple and reassuring dishes. In an article for Yahoo lifeBree Phillips, a nutrition specialist, explains why. “”Many soft foods tend to have memories attached to them, such as potatoes. There is an element of nostalgia which also explains why they are so satisfactory “.
Why our brain loves soft foods so much
This collective love for melting textures is therefore not the result of chance. But it has a setback: the easier a food is to swallow, the faster it is eaten … and it distorts the signals of satiety.
“”The more we chew, the more time our body has to record satiety “ underlines Abigail Thiel, specialist in food. Conversely, “Liquids can be consumed up to 60 times faster than solids, and because they require little or no chewing, they cause a lower satiety response“She continues.
Soft foods or when comfort becomes a trap
By being eaten too quickly, these soft foods can therefore push us to eat them in excess.
“”They are consumed faster, without triggering the same level of satiety as harming foods that require more efforts to be chewed“Add the” expert. “”This pushes to consume them more and engulf more calories than necessary, ultimately and often, without realizing it“.
Some textures have the same impact. “”For example, the blown snacks disappear quickly in the mouth due to their airy structure, encouraging rapid consumption before the body has time to point out that it is full“ABIGAIL THIEL still specifies.
What are the consequences for health?
In addition to this calorie excess, this phenomenon also has mechanical health consequences. “”Minced or mixed foods pass much faster in the digestive tract and satiety is limited“Confirmed in a previous article the dietitian Raphaël Gruman. And beyond digestion,”Chewing is used to strengthen teeth frame, and it is stimulated when there is regular pressure made on it “ he recalls. A lack of regular lamb’s lettuce could, in the long term, promote dental loosening.
In his work regime chewing, Dr Cocaul goes further by defending consistent foods. “”It is not only the food that counts, there is also the way of eating it “ he recalls. Because chewing is also burning more energy and strengthening digestive and bone functions.
What can we eat without feeling guilty?
Fortunately, all soft foods are not to be banished. You just have to consume them with conscience, and vary the textures during the day. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice, rich in protein and probiotics. The lawyer, on the other hand, is a precious source of good fats, while bananas offer a beautiful dose of potassium. Beans, lenses and oats complete this list, providing fibers and proteins.
In other words, you can savor your morning smoothie, provided you do not swallow it in three sips, nor to make it the exclusive base of your meals.