Why Is Spinach So Good for You?
POTENT PROTECTION AGAINST DISEASE The abundant antioxidants in spinach mitigate a staggering number of health problems. For starters, spinach has kaempferol, an antioxidant that can protect the body against cancer. Additionally, the antioxidant quercetin, also found in spinach, has been shown to have positive effects on brain health, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Other components of spinach can also improve blood pressure and protect eye health. VERSATILE IN MEAL PREPARATION Aside from the more scientific reasons that make spinach a superfood, you can prepare and consume spinach in so many creative ways. You can eat it raw as a part of a salad, throw a few leaves in a smoothie, cook it in stir fry, or bake it into some brownies. If you have a bag of spinach in your fridge, there’s no shortage of ways you can get some of those amazing health benefits. Just don’t expect to suddenly vanquish all your foes like Popeye did.
If the reason you know spinach is good for you is because either your mother told you, or you saw Popeye the Sailor down a can before a fight and gain superhuman strength, you might not understand exactly why it’s so good for you. Rest assured, your mom wasn’t lying (although Popeye might have been stretching the truth). Spinach is actually one of the most nutritious and versatile foods you can add to your diet. Here’s why. INCREDIBLE NUTRIENT-PER- CALORIE COUNT Three cups of spinach contain about 20 calories. However, those 3 cups also contain almost no fat, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fiber. On top of that, you get more than 300% of your daily dose of vitamin K, which supports bone growth; 160% of your daily dose of vitamin A; and around 25%–40% of your daily dose of vitamin C, both of which help the immune system function properly.
E-Cigarettes, Oral Health, & You!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS COMMON HABIT
E-cigarettes are very common these days. They are small electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol that is breathed in by the user. E-cigarettes can look like regular cigarettes, cigars, pipes, USB flash drives, or pens. The heated liquid, often called e-juice or vape juice, can contain nicotine, flavorings, and numerous other chemicals, such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. One popular brand of e-cigarette is Juul. This brand contains a higher level of nicotine than many other vape brands and traditional cigarettes. In fact, a single Juul pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 cigarettes. To make matters worse, carcinogenic compounds have been found in the vapor. This includes formaldehyde. Trace amounts of lead have also been found in the liquid.
Another compound found in e-juice is diacetyl. Diacetyl is a food additive and is most commonly found in microwave popcorn. It’s what helps create that buttery flavor. But when used in e-cigarettes, it can lead to “popcorn lung,” also known as obliterative bronchiolitis (OB). If diacetyl gets in the lungs, it can lead to serious inflammation and destroy lung tissue, making it harder to breathe. Regardless, e-cigarettes remain popular among adults. Many people use them as a tool to help them quit smoking. There is also a perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes. People also like them because they don’t produce secondhand smoke (though they do produce secondhand vapor) and they can be used to get around indoor smoking restrictions, though that is quickly changing.
When it comes to oral health, e-cigarettes can cause all kinds of problems. The vapor can alter or damage the epithelial tissue in the mouth, which can then lead to oral ulcers or oral cancer. Research also suggests the vapors can inflame the gums, putting users at a greater risk to develop periodontal disease. This is all on top of the numerous side effects, including sore throat, dry mouth, headache, nausea, hoarseness, and coughing. We often tell patients about 1-800-QUIT- NOW. This number connects to a quit- smoking specialist. They offer free coaching and counseling regardless or insurance status or income. They have referrals, provide information on medications, and even offer patches and gum. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a free app called quitSTART. It includes tailored tips and inspiration to help you quit.
–Corliss Robinson
2 — SignatureSmilesOH.com
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