Summertime brings on a carefree aura, but that doesn’t mean you should let your diet fall to the wayside. Maintaining a healthy nutritional profile is pertinent to your health no matter the season. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals helps keep your body running optimally regardless of the heat, which can promote dehydration and nutrient depletion.
For a tasty yet wholesome summertime snack, consider one (or all) of the following delicious bites!
Fruit Salsa
Technically, tomato is a fruit and traditional Mexican salsa could be deemed “fruit salsa,” but this dip has a sweeter, lighter flare. Chop up some kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, and honey or stevia for taste. Strawberries, for one, are full of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for oral health because it holds together the collagen present in healthy gums. Just one serving gives you half your daily dose recommendation. They are full of ellagic acids, which have the ability to suppress cancer growth cells.
Rooibus Tea
As a caffeine-free alternative to green tea, rooibos (pronounced roy-bos) extract promotes various physical and mental health benefits. Aside from preventing free radical damage and promoting cellular health, rooibus tea is full of minerals that are essential for strong teeth. The fact that it’s primarily water renders it perfect for quenching thirst in the summer heat. Plus, the lack of caffeine won’t lead to dehydration like many other coffees, teas, or sodas.
Frozen Bananas
If you’re a fan of ice cream but looking to cut down on dairy and added sugars, try frozen bananas instead. Simply peel, freeze in a ziplock bag, and blend to create a creamy treat. The cool, fresh consistency is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. For an extra kick, dip whole frozen bananas or slices in melted dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has benefits including improved heart health, reduced risk of diabetes, and minimized stress, among others. Moreover, the husk of the cocoa bean has anti-bacterial elements that reduce plaque and subsequently reduces your risk for decay, too. Just make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate without added sugar or milk that can lessen the nutrient density.
Avocado Toast
Avocados are a known super food around the world. While higher in calories than other fruits, avocados are packed with healthy fats, also known as monounsaturated fats. These creamy, green fruits contain an astonishing 20 different vitamins and minerals. Their high fiber content improves digestion, which can help the body absorb more nutrients during the digestion process. Simply mash an avocado and spread on a piece of whole grain, crunchy toast. Sprinkle with sea salt, or add a poached egg for a more filling mid-morning snack.
Watermelon Salad
Satisfy your summer cravings with this delicious snack idea, guaranteed to stimulate your senses! First, prepare a fresh bed of organic arugula. Then, top with fresh basil and cubed watermelon pieces. Finish by drizzling with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and fresh ground pepper. For added zest, lightly drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. As the name suggests, watermelon is more than 90% water content, providing a refreshing snack that naturally improves hydration during hot summer days. Watermelon is also high in vitamin A, C, and B6—3 essential vitamins that are known to improve oral health and immunity.
To learn more about nutrients that benefit oral health and total body care, contact Assure A Smile this summer! At Assure A Smile, we take a holistic approach to dentistry to focuses on total body wellness in addition to oral health. Patient education as at the forefront of every cleaning and procedure, equipping our patients with the knowledge needed to create healthy teeth and gums for life.
Call today at 305-274-0047 or schedule your holistic dental appointment online.
