DIGESTION 19 



become separated into very small parts, and be well 

 mixed with saliva before it is swallowed. If the 

 temperature of the mouth is frequently lowered by 

 cold drinks or food during mastication, or if food is 

 swallowed before it has been well chewed and mixed 

 with saliva, the fluids farther on in the digestive canal 

 cannot properly penetrate it and incomplete digestion 

 results. Consequently the blood does not receive 

 its due supply of new material in proper form, and 

 weakened health sooner or later follows. 



Children sometimes swallow their food before it 

 is half chewed, or wash it down with water, or perhaps 

 soak pieces in coffee or some other liquid. Often this 

 is done because they are in a hurry to get out to play. 

 But what unwise builders and chemists such children 

 are ! Girls and boys who wish always to be in con- 

 dition for play, no matter how old they may become ; 

 those who would build bodies that will enable them 

 to take part actively and well in t any game requiring 

 strength and agility, should form the habit of thor- 

 oughly chewing their food. 



Another great benefit that comes from properly 

 masticating the food is that it helps to keep us from 

 eating more than is needed. If time is taken for 

 thorough chewing, the sense of taste is fully satisfied 

 when enough has been eaten to supply the body's 

 needs. When the food is hurried down, this sense is 

 naturally unsatisfied, and more food than is required 

 is much more likely to be eaten. As a natural result, 



