“I’ve been told it’s not polite to look into a woman’s bag,” says Sara Ali Khan while rifling through her tote. During a recent interview, the Kedarnath actor gave us a peek into all that she carries in her jhola when making her way out and about town.
“There’s a perfume, so you smell good. There’s chewing gum, for when you’re hungry, and you’re Sara, and you have to eat. Then there’s akhrot (walnut) and badam (almond) for when you are really hungry, and chewing gum does not suffice. The earphones for…you can imagine. There’s a wallet and a notebook where I write things I’m not going to tell you about. Kangi to comb your hair, and a tampon for emergencies,” she told Pinkvilla.
Is chewing gum when hungry a good idea?
According to Dr Ninad Muley, a consultant prosthodontist and implantologist at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, chewing gum on an empty stomach is not a good idea because chewing stimulates your digestive system to produce more stomach acid. The acid can destroy the stomach lining because there is no food (protective) lining in the stomach, thus causing ulcers.
“Constant gum chewing can also cause excessive air swallowing, leading to bloating, gas, and discomfort. The artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gum, such as sorbitol, can cause digestive upset and have a laxative effect, particularly in sensitive individuals,” he told indianexpress.com, adding that using gum as an appetite suppressant can also lead to unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping meals or opting for quick, unhealthy snacks.
He added that sugar-free gum can contain acidic flavouring that, when chewed for long periods, may contribute to dental erosion. “Once enamel is lost, it cannot regenerate. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that erode enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental issues over time,” he said.
Walnut is called the king of all nuts. (Source: Freepik)
Dr Muley recommended chewing sugar-free gum for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes after meals. This is sufficient to stimulate saliva production and clean teeth without overworking the jaw muscles. “Listen to your body—if you experience jaw or digestive discomfort, reduce the duration or frequency of gum chewing,” he said.
However, the nuts Sara carries in her bag make for a smart snacking option.
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Why choose nuts?
Nuts have a low glycaemic index and are rich in fibre and protein, which help regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes, a major cardiovascular disease (CVD) factor. Nutritionist Lovneet Batra said almonds, if consumed in the morning, can boost your memory, improve digestion, and reduce cholesterol, as they are power-packed with protein, vitamin E, and magnesium. Soaked almonds are better because the peel contains tannins, which inhibit nutrient absorption.
According to her, walnut, the king of all nuts, is rich in antioxidants, protein and healthy fats. They are touted as “brain food” as they help improve brain functioning. To add to that, walnuts are also a good source of calcium, potassium, iron, copper, and zinc.
For optimal health benefits without excessive calorie consumption, moderation is key to avoiding weight gain and digestive issues.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.
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