We all do what we can to keep our family healthy, including eating the right foods and visiting our doctor and dentist regularly. But there is a way to be even more proactive – sometimes choosing certain foods that benefit your oral health. January 31st is Eat Brussels Sprouts Day, and it’s a great time to incorporate the tasty superfood into your diet if you’re not already enjoying it!
What are Brussels Sprouts?
Maybe you’ve seen the tiny cabbage-like veggies but have never tried them. Or you love them but don’t know much about them. Let’s get to know the good-for-you sprout.
A part of the Gemmifera family of cabbages, they are loved for their edible buds. First discovered in northern Europe in the 5th century, they became popular in Europe in the 16th century. The French brought them to Louisiana in the 1700s, and American production began in California in the 1900s. We now produce over 32K tons of delicious brussels sprouts each year.
The taste isn’t for everyone due to the TAS2R38 gene that some people have. Those with this gene tend to taste the chemical P.T.C. contained in brussels sprouts, which gives them a bitter taste. But those without the gene can find tasty ways to add them to family meals.
The Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
1. Cavity Defense
High-calcium foods like brussels sprouts help to protect the enamel, your tooth’s first line of defense against cavity growth. Enamel erosion can lead to sensitive teeth and decay. Vitamin K can help to prevent cavities as well help bring healthy minerals back into the teeth.
2. Fights Gingivitis
The vitamin C in brussels sprouts helps fortify your gums and soft tissues. Getting enough vitamin C can help you fight gum disease and loosening of the teeth.
3. Stain Fighter
The calcium and vitamin C not only strengthens your teeth but also make them stain resistant.
4. Gum Protector
Periodontal ligament, PDL, is the soft connective tissue in your gums; when it begins to break away from the teeth, your gums recede. Vitamin K in brussels sprouts can help to reduce gum inflammation that can cause gum recession. Additionally, folate in brussels sprouts can also reduce this inflammation and anaerobic bacteria.
5. Saliva Booster
Chewing fibrous foods helps protect against tooth decay. It stimulates saliva production, which defuses the acids in your mouth that can impair tooth enamel and washes away the acidic residue from some foods.
Celebrate Eat Brussels Sprouts Day with Us!
When preparing your brussels sprouts, the most tooth-friendly option is to steam them, since roasting them increases acidity (which can erode your tooth enamel). However, if roasting these tasty veggies is how you like them best, you’re still enjoying all their amazing benefits!
Check out tasty recipes to get some brussels sprouts in your diet on Eat Brussels Sprouts Day and keep them in your repertoire for the entire year. In addition to eating these healthy goodies, make sure you get your year started on a good note by scheduling your dental appointment with Dr. Stephen Coates, DDS.
