Foods that Contain Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water, soil, and some foods. It has been shown to be effective in preventing tooth decay, which is why it is often added to public water supplies, toothpaste, and other oral health products.

When fluoride is ingested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and helps to strengthen teeth from the inside out. It can also be applied directly to the surface of teeth through toothpaste, mouth rinses, or professional fluoride treatments.

Fluoride works by making the enamel on teeth more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. This acid can wear away at the enamel, eventually leading to cavities. Fluoride also helps to neutralize areas of teeth that have been weakened by acid, helping to prevent cavities from forming in the first place.

While fluoride is an important mineral for dental health, it is important to use it in moderation. Too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which can lead to white spots or streaks on teeth. In severe cases, it can cause brown or black discoloration of the teeth. It is recommended that children under the age of six should only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing fluoride and that they should be supervised while brushing to ensure that they do not swallow the toothpaste.

Below are 5 surprising fluoride sources that can help you protect your smile.

1. Different Forms of Grapes

In almost every form, grapes are considered a good source of fluoride. Raisins in particular contain about 20 times as much fluoride as raw grapes and have one of the highest fluoride concentrations of any food. As such, you can do your smile a favor by enjoying grapes, raisins, grape juice, and wine throughout the day. Of course, when it comes to raisins and grape juice, you need to make sure there aren’t any added sugars that could offset the oral health benefits.

2. Fruits

Grapes aren’t the only kind of fruit that contains fluoride. You can also find the mineral in apples, strawberries, bananas, peaches, watermelons, and cherries. When you have the choice, you should always eat fruits while they’re fresh so that you can get the full benefits from the fluoride (and other important nutrients) that they contain.

3. Vegetables

Certain vegetables like spinach and potatoes are known to have high fluoride levels. Potatoes in particular are an excellent choice because they can be prepared in various ways. Think about adding more potatoes to your diet if you’re looking for ways to take better care of your smile while enjoying your meals to the fullest.

4. Seafood

There are some kinds of seafood that contain fluoride, with shrimp and crab legs being particularly popular examples. Are you thinking of taking the entire family out for a fancy meal? Seafood can be a great-tasting option that can also benefit everyone’s smiles.

5. Tea and Coffee

For many people, tea and coffee are the main sources of fluoride in their diets. This is especially the case if the water used to brew these beverages has already been fluoridated. That being said, tea and coffee also have the potential to stain the teeth if you’re not careful. If you want to enjoy the benefits of tea and coffee while keeping your smile bright, you should brush and floss immediately after you’ve finished your beverage. Rinsing with water can also help.

Increasing your fluoride exposure can make a big difference for your teeth, and luckily there’s no shortage of foods and beverages that can help you accomplish this. Your dentist might have additional suggestions for increasing your fluoride intake, so be sure to ask them during your next appointment.

Organic Clove Wholes

Organic clove whole is a versatile and flavorful spice that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, and organic clove whole is made from these buds that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

Organic clove whole is considered to be of higher quality than non-organic clove whole as it is free from harmful chemicals and is grown using sustainable farming practices.

One of the main benefits of organic clove whole is its flavor. Cloves have a strong, pungent, and slightly sweet flavor that can be used to add depth and warmth to a variety of dishes. Cloves are a common ingredient in spice blends such as pumpkin spice and apple pie spice, and can also be used to flavor tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. They can also be used in baking recipes such as cakes, cookies, and bread.

Organic clove whole also has medicinal properties. Cloves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as toothaches, indigestion, and respiratory issues. They are also natural painkillers and have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Organic clove whole is also easy to use in cooking. They can be added to liquids, such as soups, stews, and curries, to infuse them with flavor. They can also be added to dry rubs and marinades for meats and vegetables. Cloves can be added to rice or oatmeal dishes and to any type of beverage that you would like to add a spicy and warm flavor.

When purchasing organic clove whole, it’s important to choose a reputable brand and check the label for any possible contaminants. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture to maintain their flavor and quality.

Clove Whole Benefits:

Organic clove whole is a versatile and flavorful spice that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. Here are some of the key benefits of organic clove whole: Rich in Antioxidants: Cloves contain high levels of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cloves have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and eczema.

Natural Painkiller: Cloves have natural pain-relieving properties and can be used to alleviate toothaches, headaches, and other types of pain.

Improves Digestion: Cloves are known to improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas.

Aromatherapy: Cloves can be used in aromatherapy to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Culinary Uses: Cloves are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and making homemade spice blends.

Easy to use: Cloves can be easily added to liquids, such as soups, stews, and curries, to infuse them with flavor. They can also be added to dry rubs and marinades for meats and vegetables. They can be added to rice or oatmeal dishes, and to any type of beverage if you would like to add a spicy and warm flavor.

Organic clove whole is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and is considered to be of higher quality than non-organic clove whole.

It’s important to note that consuming large amounts of cloves may not be safe and may cause side effects such as mouth sores, blood thinning, and liver damage. Consult with a healthcare professional before adding cloves to your diet. Organic cloves provide the same benefits as regular cloves but without any chemicals or pesticides.

In conclusion, Organic clove whole is a flavorful and versatile spice that has been used for centuries in both culinary and medicinal applications. They are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and are considered to be of higher quality than non-organic clove whole.

Benefits of Garlic

Being a natural whole food, but much too concentrated to eat in large quantities, garlic can be considered as a natural supplement because of its outstanding qualities. Garlic has many benefits, mainly due to its high natural sulfur content. It is considered to be nature’s antibiotic and helps prevent disease.

Dr. Earl Mindell in his book: ‘Garlic, The Miracle Nutrient’, lists the benefits of garlic as: * acts as an antiseptic * helps the body overcome infection * stimulates the immune system * acts as a decongestant and expectorant * contains substances that help prevent cancer * thins he blood, reducing the risk of dangerous blood clotting: * tends to dissolve blood clots: * lowers blood pressure (at least partly the result of blood-thinning): * reduces high cholesterol: * helps reduce high triglycerides (blood fats)

Dr. Mindell quotes a professor of medicine as saying that garlic is the most powerful agent for preventing blood from becoming sticky, even more, powerful than low-dose aspirin.

This may be part of the reason why people in Italy and France have less heart disease. The odorous compound in garlic is a sulfur compound called allicin, a highly effective antibiotic. However, there is no allicin in raw garlic. Raw garlic contains alliin, which, when garlic is crushed, converts to allicin. This is garlic’s way of protecting itself from microbial attack after injury.

Unfortunately, allicin tends to damage not only bacteria but healthy cells as well. When raw garlic is consumed in very large amounts, harmful effects can result, including irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach: anemia: the destruction of friendly gut bacteria: reduced absorption of nutrients, and impaired liver function. How much garlic is excessive and how much is safe to consume on a regular basis.

Natural Health view is a clove or two a day. This is well below the amount that produces outright medicinal effects and possibly also harmful effects, which is around five gloves per day (approximately 25 grams) or more, on a regular basis. The bottom line is that any strong substance like allicin has to be broken down by the liver. Too much can significantly add to the load on the liver, which is already very high in a world of chemicals, alcohol, a high-fat diet, etc.

One garlic clove a day seems to be tolerable for most people.

Phytochemicals, compounds to cut cancer and heart risks

INDOLES Phytochemicals have an important function to prevent some cancers and heart diseases. One of them is called Indoles. You find them in Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens. They have a bitter taste that bugs don’t like. The phytochemical responsible for this way of plant protection is called Indole-3-carbinol, known by researchers by the nickname I3C. In humans, this compound plays a role in regulating hormones, which may be useful in preventing breast cancer.

The Strang Cancer Prevention Center in New York City found that when women took 400 milligrams of I3C a day, about the amount found in half a head of cabbage, their levels of the harmless estrogen increased significantly. In fact, they had the same levels as those found in marathon runners, which is quite a feat, since vigorous exercise has been shown to have a strong positive effect on estrogen levels. I3C also helps stop tumor cells from spreading to other parts of the body, Studies also show that I3C may slow the growth and reproduction of prostate cancer cells.

That’s why you should say yes to broccoli and cabbage.

ORGANOSULFUR COMPOUNDS Other phytochemicals are organosulfur compounds, called allylic sulfides. They are one of nature’s most potent compounds to decrease your risks of cancer and heart disease. They also raise good HDL cholesterol and stimulate enzymes that suppress tumors. You will find them in onions, and garlic, also but in lower concentrations in leeks and chives.

Allylic sulfides also have the unique potency to keep cholesterol and other blood fats known as triglycerides from causing health-threatening blood clots and hardening of the arteries. Allicin, which researchers believe to be the most potent compound in garlic, and diallyl disulfide also made blood vessels relax, reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow. Allicin also has potent germ-killing powers.

Other studies have shown that taking two or more servings of garlic per week can help protect against colon cancer. It can also stop the growth of cancer cells, once they develop.

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS This is another phytochemical, also called polyphenols. You will find them in most fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and green and black teas. These compounds fight cancer on two fronts. They stimulate protective enzymes while squelching harmful ones, and they’re also heavy-duty antioxidants.

Most active polyphenols include ellagic acid from strawberries, green tea polyphenols, and curcumin, the yellow coloring in turmeric. Curcumin plays a role in cancer prevention because it acts as an antioxidant. It also seems to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent or help to treat Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis.

SAPONINS One of the most common phytochemicals is saponins. You will find them in a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and legumes, like spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, nuts, and oats. Soybeans alone contain 12 different types of saponins.

Studies show that people who eat saponin-rich diets have consistently lower rates of breast- prostate- and colon cancer, unlike other cancer-fighting phytochemicals, however, saponins possess a unique array of weapons. One way that they help prevent cancer is by binding with bile acids, which over time may metabolize into cancer-causing compounds, and eliminating them from the body, says Dr. Rao, professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto.

They also stimulate the immune system so that’s better able to detect and destroy precancerous cells before they develop into full-blown cancer.

But perhaps the most important ability of saponins is to target the cholesterol found in cancer cell membranes. Cancer cells have a lot of cholesterol in their membranes, and saponins selectively bind to these cells and destroy them.

Not surprisingly, this ability to bind to cholesterol is helpful for lowering total cholesterol as well. Saponins bind with bile acids, used for digestion in the intestinal tract. The bile is then excreted, instead of being reabsorbed. Since bile acids are made of cholesterol, getting rid of some of these acids means that your body has to use up cholesterol to make more, effectively lowering cholesterol levels in the process.

---

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”

Cure sometimes, treat often, comfort always. 

-Greek physician Hippocrates