Avocados – they’re not just for the millennials. This power food is great for everyone!
The fruit is beneficial for our health, especially our oral health. Avocados are sodium-free, contain no sugar, and no cholesterol. As we approach National Avocado Day on July 31, let’s focus on some of the other benefits of eating this superfood.
Oral Health Benefits of Avocados
The great thing about avocados is that they contain natural phytochemicals. This is due to the dark-colored skin. These phytonutrients are used by plants to protect against disease and UV rays. They are rich in antioxidants and contain a probiotic bacterium that helps to fight off bad bacteria, protecting your gums from bacterial infection, tooth decay, and bad breath. Added benefits include:
- Help with oral cancer prevention. They work to prevent precancerous cells in the mouth from turning cancerous.
- Magnesium – They contain 15% of the recommended daily value of magnesium which fights inflammation, which helps with inflamed gums. The same magnesium can help with the remineralization of your teeth.
- Folic Acid – With more folic acid than other fruits, avocados help to manage cell division. Folic Acid or Vitamin B9 helps gum tissue fight inflammation and bleeding.
- Avocados are high in potassium, the vitamin that keeps our bones strong. Also called Vitamin K, it works to regulate body fluids and the removal of waste. It keeps your teeth strong and helps to prevent decay.
- Nutrient Booster – When we eat avocados, they act as a nutrient booster, helping our bodies to absorb nutrients like vitamins A, D, K, and E.
A Tasty Way to Get Your Avocado Fix: Tasty Avocado Toast
This Food Network recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Start by getting your ingredients together:
- One 8oz. ripe avocado that has is halved, pitted and peeled
- Salt and Black Pepper
- 4 slices of whole wheat bread
- 1 peeled and halved garlic clove
- 2 Tablespoons of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Softened Unsalted Butter
- Sea Salt
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Minced garlic
Start by mashing your avocado with a fork until it is chunky. Season it with salt and black pepper.
Toast your bread to your liking. Rub one side of your bread with garlic or rub the minced garlic across one side.
Brush your toast with olive oil ad season it with salt and black pepper.
Spread your avocado across your toast, top with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Enjoy National Avocado Day on July 31st and make sure to add avocados to your diet any day of the year. To find out more about oral health, tooth decay, and oral cancer we welcome you to make an appointment to discuss your concerns and get the oral care you need.
Call our Long Beach dental care team at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment here.
