A Rainbow of Foods to Keep Your Smile Healthy
Posted on March 1, 2018 in General oral health
You may not discover a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but there are other ways rainbows can make you smile this month. These colorful fruits and veggies are full of flavor and will help keep your smile sparkling.
Red:
- Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which helps maintain gum health.1
- Red peppers also contain vitamin C, and they come with a host of anti-inflammatory benefits.2
Orange:
- Pumpkin and carrots have lots of vitamin A, which helps keep mucous membranes healthy and prevent dry mouth. Carrots also contain immunity-strengthening antioxidants.3
- Butternut squash is rich with vitamin C and potassium that helps neutralize acids that remove calcium from the body.4
Yellow:
- Yellow peppers have anti-inflammatory benefits and vitamin C.5
- Cheeses contain calcium that helps build strong bones and teeth.
Green:
- Leafy greens contain vitamin K that helps block substances that break down bone, promoting good bone density. They are also a good source of calcium.6
- Broccoli contains folic acid that helps keep your gums healthy and can help prevent cleft lip and palate during pregnancy.
Blue:
- Blueberries are a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin K.7
Purple:
- Eggplant contains vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. It also has folic acid that builds strong bones and helps prevent osteoporosis.8
- Acai berries have antioxidants to strengthen immunity.9
White:
- Cauliflower has vitamin C and antioxidants. It's also an anti-inflammatory and a great substitute for starchy grains in diets.10
- Plain yogurt promotes strong teeth and bones by being rich in calcium.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2676112
2 http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,21445
3 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
4 http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/09/10-ways-to-build-healthy-bones-and-keep-them-strong/
5 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
6 http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,Delta118n
7 http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-blueberries#section3
8 https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-eggplant.html
9 http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-your-immune-system-super-foods-optimal-health
10 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-cauliflower#section3