In India, eating with your hands is a daily practice, something that feels natural and comforting. Whether it’s scooping up dal with roti or enjoying biryani with your fingers, hand-eating is a big part of Indian tradition. But now, experts say it’s not just about culture, it also has real health benefits.
Recently, this age-old habit caught global attention when Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin politician running for New York mayor, was seen eating biryani with his hands. While some Western critics called it “messy,” many Indians and South Asians praised him for proudly sticking to tradition.
But experts say eating with your hands is not just about culture; it’s supported by research, too.
“In many parts of the world – from Indian thalis to Indonesian rice plates, eating with your hands is normal. But in Western culture, it’s sometimes seen as uncivilised,” said Dr Avantina Sharma Bhandari, a culinary nutritionist, speaking to The Indian Express.
“The truth is, eating with your hands can actually be healthier. It helps with digestion, encourages mindful eating, and connects you to your food.”
How does it help your body
Touching your food before eating it activates your senses. It signals your brain that food is coming, which starts the cephalic phase of digestion, the first step where saliva and enzymes begin to flow. This prepares your stomach and makes digestion smoother.
“When your body gets this early signal, it can break down food better and absorb nutrients properly,” Dr Bhandari explained.
Also, eating with your hands helps you eat more slowly and more mindfully. You become more aware of what you’re eating, its texture, warmth, and portion size. This prevents overeating and can even help you feel more satisfied with less food.
A 2019 study published in the journal Appetite also found that people who eat with their hands tend to enjoy their meals more and eat more slowly, which supports better digestion.
What about germs?
Some people worry that eating with their hands might be unhygienic. But according to Dr Bhandari, clean hands carry good bacteria that can actually support a healthy gut.
“When we eat with our clean hands, especially from a young age, we expose our digestive system to good microbes. This can help build a stronger immune system,” she said.
This is why many child nutritionists encourage toddlers to eat with their hands, it helps them explore food, learn textures, and build better gut health.
In Indian households, eating with hands is also a sign of gratitude and respect for food. It helps people stay present during meals and feel more connected to what they eat.
While using forks and spoons may be common in the West, hand-eating continues to be a smart, science-backed practice in many cultures around the world.
So next time you eat with your fingers, remember you’re not just following tradition. You’re also doing your body a favour.