Our loving team at WDG is wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is known for being a day full of love and sweet treats in appreciation of our relationships with others. Although delicious, we all know that sugary treats can be harmful to our teeth. But, what if we told you that there are some treats with added heart-healthy benefits to them?
Red wine and dark chocolate are two delights that have been found to have some overall health and oral health benefits. Both are high in antioxidants, which play a big role in helping to decrease the “bad cholesterol” and protect the inside of your blood vessels. Antioxidants are known to protect against free radicals, which are highly chemically reactive molecules that are involved in the cellular aging process. Take a look at some of the other surprising benefits of red wine and dark chocolate.
Ready to Pour a Glass of Red Wine?
Red wine has been found to help fight against heart issues, diabetes, and neurodegenerative problems, while also helping to boost your gut’s immune system. New studies have even suggested that red wine may add protective benefits against the adverse effects of aging.
It also contains resveratrol, which has been found to lower the amount of “bad cholesterol” also known as LDL cholesterol. Resveratol also helps lower your blood pressure, which can make you feel more relaxed and at ease. Plus, it increases the amount of omega-3 in plasma and red blood cells, which helps lower the risk of developing blood clots. Furthermore, ethanol alcohol, another ingredient in wine, helps improve your “good cholesterol,” also known as HDL cholesterol.
Not to mention, researchers have even found red wine to be beneficial for your oral health. They have suggested that polyphenols in red wine can help block specific bacteria from sticking to your teeth and causing harm such as tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, when absorbed into the small intestine, they can help fight off the bad gut bacteria and help keep your digestive system functioning properly. But, the downside is that red wine can stain your teeth.
Have a Craving for some Chocolate?
Dark chocolate is another tasty delight that has been found to have blood pressure lowering effects.The flavanols inside can help loosen the lining of the arteries, allowing blood to flow more easily through the blood vessels. They also help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
However, not all chocolate is created equally. The darker the chocolate, the better. This is due to the fact that unprocessed cocoa beans have lots of antioxidants that get removed during the refining process, plus high amounts of sugar are often added to manufactured chocolate. It’s important to read nutrition labels to keep an eye out for potentially counteractive health effects. You’ll want to aim for having chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content. Dark chocolate typically contains less sugar and is a better option than other types of chocolate. It has also been found that theobromine in chocolate has similar effects as fluoride, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
But, this doesn’t mean to go to town on consuming chocolate and wine in surplus. It’s important to enjoy these items in moderation, as too much of these treats can be unhealthy. So, remember this Valentine’s Day, it’s important to show your mouth some love, too!
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/red-wine-can-help-protect-your-teeth#Looking-ahead
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321028#Polyphenols-to-the-rescue