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News India Live, Digital Desk: When we are under a lot of stress or anxiety, our body as well as our mind looks for a way to ‘relax’. Research shows that when we press something crunchy or hard (like peanuts, makhana or chips) firmly under the teeth, it provides a kind of exercise to our jaw muscles.
Jaw exercise and brain relaxation
Actually, when we are angry or stressed, our jaws unconsciously become tight and we start grinding our teeth. In such a situation, chewing something hard works to release that suppressed tension through our jaws. This is exactly the same as pressing a stress ball with your hand. The vibrations and signals that the brain receives when ‘crunching’ something with the teeth calms the anxiety for a while.
Magic of Voice: Method of Distraction
An interesting thing is that when we eat something crispy, the sound produced (that ‘crack-chat’ sound), gives a message to the brain through our ears. This sound becomes a ‘distraction’ for us. At that moment our mind moves away from the stressful thing and focuses on that sound and taste. This is the reason why people prefer ‘crispy’ things more than soft cakes or ice cream during stress eating.
But caution is also necessary here
Now the problem is that in this process we unknowingly eat a lot of junk food and trans-fat. This method of reducing stress can take a toll on health. If you also want to eat ‘crunchy’ things during stress, then instead of chips Roasted gram, makhana, carrots, or some dry fruits Eat. This will give relief to your jaw muscles and your weight will also not increase.
Next time you suddenly feel like opening a packet of chips, stop for a moment and think whether you are really hungry or your mind is just trying to relax?