Whether to mix rice with soup or eat dry rice before consuming soup is a matter of personal habit and preference. Fundamentally, the stomach's primary function is to churn food and secrete gastric juices, softening it before it moves to the small intestine for digestion and nutrient absorption.

For the elderly or individuals with dental issues, mixing rice with soup can make chewing and swallowing easier. Conversely, eating dry rice requires thorough chewing to soften and break down food. This action stimulates salivary glands to release digestive enzymes, initiating digestion in the mouth. This process lessens the stomach's workload, optimizes nutrient absorption, and helps maintain satiety for longer.

Regardless of how you eat, thorough chewing before food enters the stomach is crucial. Eating slowly and chewing well not only prolongs satiety but also enhances the enjoyment of your meal. If dry rice poses a swallowing challenge, adding a small amount of soup or broth can help, provided you still chew diligently.

During meals, focus on your food, avoid prolonged eating, and refrain from watching television to ensure a more effective dining experience.

Illustration: *Bui Thuy*

Associate Professor, PhD Nguyen Duy Thinh

Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology