Everyone appreciates a beautiful smile, it transcends cultures, economic levels, and exudes an infectious happiness to all those it surrounds. Those pearly whites are not just for show, and many of us underestimate the impact of overall health that runs through our mouth. It’s a testament of the old saying “you are what you eat.” Choose to treat your body well and it will return the favor. From how you handle oral hygiene to what foods you eat, it’s a simple fact- you’ll get out what you put in.
With that said, everyone on this planet gravitates to tasty food. And for that reason as well as good health reasons, we’ve compiled a list of 6 dental friendly, gut friendly, and overall health friendly foods proven serve your body well.
Yogurt
A quick slimming favorite, yogurt comes packed with probiotics, or bacteria that help your stomach digest, and helps the amount of fat your body absorbs. When picking a yogurt, always go for a greek yogurt of the traditional kind and be sure to find a brand that is low in sugar. Greek yogurt comes in both nonfat or low-fat versions and contain only half as much sodium as regular yogurt with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
- Promotes healthy bacteria for the stomach and gums
- Reduces amount of fat your body absorbs
- High in protein
- Calcium strengthens teeth
- Fights cavities by reducing mouth acidity
Eggs Whites
As previously mentioned, dairy products are quite beneficial for teeth and in moderation do wonders for the waistline. Eggs are a great source of inexpensive, high quality protein. More than half the protein of an egg is found in the egg white along with vitamin B2 and lower amounts of fat and cholesterol than the yolk. The whites are rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper.
- Contain calcium and fluoride that promote healthy tooth enamel
- RIch in selenium, Vitamin D, B2, B6, B12, Zinc and Copper
- Low in fat & cholesterol
Quinoa
Fantastic because it nearly goes with everything, quinoa offers a rice-like substitute to most dishes. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains a lot of fantastic nutrients like iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. Furthermore, it is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein and comprised of all pernine essential amino acids.
- Low in fat & cholesterol
- Gluten Free
- Promotes healthy tooth enamel
- High in protein, amino acids, vitamins, and fiber
Chia Seeds
A miracle worker in the form of a tiny seed, chia seeds are packed with calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin A and zinc. Zinc prevents tartar by keeping plaque from mineralizing onto your teeth and has an antibacterial effect that keeps bad breath germs away. Vitamin A and phosphorus are also important for strong teeth and a healthy mouth. Chia seeds do wonders for digestive health, energy levels, muscular health, bone strength, heart health, skin, and even have been linked to fighting cancer as well as curing diabetes!
- Defends against plaque build up
- Vitamin A and Phosphorus for a healthy mouth & enamel
- Countless benefits for the body inside & out (stomach, bone, skin, hair, and heart)
Salmon
Among the healthiest foods on the planet, fish are loaded with important nutrients, such as protein and vitamin D. Furthermore, fish is also the world’s best source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body, brain, and even combat oral pathogens!
- Helps prevents against cell damage
- Fights against arthritis and improves bone density
- Aids with depression
- Increases cardiovascular health
- Excellent source of vitamin D
- omega-3 fish oils DHA and EPA can reduce the risk of periodontitis
Vegetables
Extremely low in fat and calories, vegetables don’t often make the cut in the modern diet. Vegetables are crunchy- and firm foods generally contain lots of water and require a generous amount of chewing. Foods that fall into this category are good for oral health because they stimulate the production and flow of saliva and actually scrub tooth surfaces, brightening your pearly whites! Veggies are great for the mouth, gut, and overall health because they are packed with nutrients our bodies thrive off of.
- Act as nature’s floss
- Low in calories and contain no cholesterol
- May reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke
- Rich in fiber and may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
At the end of the day the best care is preventative care. What you put into your body is what you’re going to get out of it! These 6 foods are the some of the leaders in helping you heal your gut, shed pounds, and take care of your mouth all at the same time. Invest in your mouth, gut, and health!
