Mihkel Zilmer: Slow Eating and Enjoying Food Can Help Prevent Aging
Mihkel Zilmer discusses the benefits of slow eating and savoring food to prevent aging and nutrient recognition disorders.
In a recent interview, professor Mihkel Zilmer emphasized the importance of slow eating as a preventive measure against accelerated aging and nutrient recognition disorders. He highlighted that a mindful approach to eating, which includes thoroughly chewing food and enjoying its flavors, can greatly benefit one's health. According to Zilmer, maintaining a clean nose before meals can also enhance the sensory experience, as the brain integrates taste and smell into a unified flavor perception. Zilmer explained that aging can be categorized into chronological and biological aspects. While chronological aging is unavoidable—starting from the moment of birth—biological aging can be influenced by lifestyle choices. For instance, chronic smokers may experience a significantly older biological age compared to their chronological age, indicating that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in how our bodies age. Understanding this distinction can empower individuals to adopt healthier habits that potentially slow down biological aging. Additionally, the condition known as nutrient recognition disorder reflects the decreased ability of the body to accurately identify its nutrient requirements. This can lead to imbalances in diet and overall health. Zilmer's insights underline the importance of being mindful about dietary choices and practices, suggesting that a more attentive approach to eating could contribute positively to both physical and cognitive well-being, thus promoting healthier aging.