Summer is a pretty sweet time to be a Coloradan. From farmer’s markets to local cuisine, we’ve got the foods that your teeth crave.
In several studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and many cancers, including oral cancer. So if you see these options in the picnic basket this summer, go ahead and have seconds.
° Apples
“An apple a day keeps the food particles away,” doesn’t quite have the same ring as that other saying, but it’s true. The crunchiness in apples and other firm fruits stimulates saliva flow, which helps wash away lingering food pieces and buffers harmful acids. So munch away!
° Strawberries and Melons
These fruits have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulates saliva flow. You can also snack on a couple cups of cantaloupe to increase your potassium intake, a nutrient that promotes good bone density.
° Guilt-Free Strawberry Muffin
° Spinach
Popeye was on to something. The vitamin K found in spinach helps your body absorb the calcium in other foods more efficiently. A spinach salad with low-fat cheese and avocado is a summer salad combo that can’t be beat.
° Quinoa Avocado Spinach Power Salad
Before you pack your picnic basket, check out our Pinterest page for more tooth-healthy recipes.