We’ve all heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But, have you ever heard about raisins helping to keep the dentist away?
Raisins have been shown to provide many overall health benefits. They can help maintain blood sugar levels in athletes, and the high fiber content can help regulate intestinal function. Also, antioxidants are present to reduce cancer risks, and the potassium content can help maintain blood pressure. If that’s not enough, the small, convenient packages can be excellent at controlling hunger.
But what are the effects on teeth? With all the sugar and stickiness, they must be toward the top of the dentist’s no no list…right? Not so fast my friend. Research from the University of Illionios Chicago shows that raisins may not be as bad for teeth as traditionally believed. They found that raisins contain five compounds, called phytochemicals, that reduce the number of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Phytochemicals are currently a popular material to research because of their cancer and disease fighting properties. Raisins also have another chemical that has been shown to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from attaching to the enamel surface. So, they reduce the number of bad bacteria and also reduce the number of bad bacteria that actually attach to teeth. Not bad! For more on how bacteria and sugar cause cavities, check out “Is Gum Good For Your Teeth.”
So you’re telling me to eat a bunch of raisins for better oral health? Well, somewhat. The potential for cavities still exists when sugar is present in the diet, but when coupled with proper oral hygiene, raisins can be a great adjunct to maintaining good oral health. And, combined with all the overall health benefits, adding raisins to your diet creates a win-win relationship – just don’t forget to brush and floss!
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