Why You SHOULD Be Eating Pumpkin!
posted: Sep. 14, 2020.
Fall is just days away and we all know what that means! It’s pumpkin season. These round, orange symbols of crisp fall mornings are about to flood the stores, restaurant menus, our homes and of course, our coffees. But did you know that pumpkins are beneficial for more than just beautiful home décor and jack-o-lanterns? They actually offer a wealth of benefits for your whole body, even your teeth and oral health. Anderson Pediatric Dentistry would like to encourage you to use pumpkins for more than just decorations this season. We encourage you to add them to your family's diet to help promote oral health for your children.
Before you take that last sentence and run. . .hold up! Not all pumpkin choices are created equally! When we say add pumpkin to your diet for good oral health, we mean eating healthy options that actually include real pumpkin puree and/ or seeds, not drinking gallons of artificially flavored, sweetened pumpkin drinks. Sorry, the truth is, those “pumpkin-inspired” choices aren’t going to provide the health benefits of eating the real thing. In fact, sugary pumpkin drinks and sweets may leave you with cavities!
Let’s looks at all the health benefits of adding pumpkin to your diet, especially as related to your mouth:
Vitamin A: helps prevent dry mouth, which allows saliva to help wash away food and bacteria, lessening the amount of time it sits on your teeth and causes damage. Vitamin A also promotes healthy mucous membranes and helps damaged gums to heal.
Vitamin C: promotes a healthy immune system, which is SO IMPORTANT during cold, flu and Covid-19 season! Vitamin C also protects your mouth against oral infections and gum disease and can strengthen your mouth’s soft tissues.
Iron: is used by the body to build healthy skin, nails, hair and teeth. Iron also prevents anemia. Anemia can cause mouth sores and oral infections.
Magnesium: works with calcium to strength the enamel of your teeth, which protects them from decay.
Fiber: helps your body maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce your chance of becoming obese, as well as developing heart disease and/or diabetes, which all increase the likelihood of developing gum disease.
Zinc: improves gum health, as well as helps keep bones and teeth strong. It’s also good for your immune system.
Now that you know WHY you should be eating more pumpkin, your favorite Anderson, SC kids dentist has compiled a few tasty treats to show you HOW to EAT MORE PUMPKIN!
One Pot Eggplant, Pumpkin and Chickpea Curry
Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes
Add some pumpkin to your fall recipes and reap the rewards. Just remember, no matter how healthy you eat, you still need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and see your pediatric dentist for routine check-ups and care. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist for your child in the Anderson, SC or Upstate area, we would love to welcome you. Call us today at 864-760-1440 and let us give you Something to Smile About!