Music is truly a powerful tool - even when it comes down to seemingly mundane matters.

Without music; movies would lose some of their appeal; being placed on hold via telephone would be little more frustrating; and our commute back and forth to work would be much more redundant.

No one can deny the powerful effect music has on an individual.

Whether this effect be positive or negative however, often depends on the type of music listened to.

Nevertheless, extensive research has shown that certain types of music possess the ability to:

1.) ease symptoms of depression

2.) improve brain development in children

3.) improve one's memory

4.) aid in an ill patients recovery (this has especially been seen in the use of music therapy for babies in the NICU)...

just to name a few.

It should come as no surprise then, that researchers have found that music has the ability to directly effect one's eating habits as well.

* Music's Effect On Our Eating Habits - What The Research Shows.

An early 90's issue of the Tufts University Diet & Nutrition Letter, reported on a study researchers were conducting on the effect background music had on people's eating habits.

In one study conducted, the researchers counted the bites of food individuals took at meals while listening to various types of music. The result?

The research showed, that where there was an absence of background music, the participants "ate at an average rate of 3.9 bites per minute," with about a third of the participants requesting more food after clearing their plates.

On the other hand, at the presence of "spirited tunes," the diners "sped up to an average of 5.1 bites per minute!"

Not surprising however, when "calming flute instrumentals" were played, the eating pace of the participants slowed "to 3.2 bites per minute - and the bites became smaller."

That might not seem to be a huge difference between the case study where background music was absent (3.9 bites per minute) - however, these latter participants refrained from requesting second helpings; most left food on their plates; felt full; claimed that the food tasted better; and had "fewer digestive complaints."

* How Can This Benefit You And I?

Studies have clearly stated, that one safe way of losing weight involved eating slowly.

Since it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to signal the brain that it's full, eating slowly will help you to eat to satisfaction - without overdoing it.

With this vital piece of information then, it leads one to believe that with the use of calming background instrumental music, one can slow their food consumption, "retraining" both the stomach and the brain to take in less food which could potentially lead to weight lost.

Is there any truth to this theory? One will never know unless they try it themselves.

So if you're looking for a unique way to safely lose weight, or you simply desire to reduce your food consumption, why not try this theory on for size.

Even if it doesn't work for you, at least you'll achieve a bit of ambiance (or ambience) during your meal periods.

A great meal with great music - who could ask for anything more?

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