strawberries Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Strawberries Bloom Once Again Near the Gaza Border

The AHA! Team — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:32:14 +0000

Zachy Hennessey via Israel21c – Owner of Uri Tutim farm says it will take the region’s agriculture a long time to recover, but its very existence is nothing short of a miracle. “Let me take you down ’cause I’m going to strawberry fields.” This line from the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” was ringing in my ears as I made my way to Uri Tutim (Uri’s Strawberries) farm in Moshav Yesha near the Gaza border. The strawberry fields the Beatles sang about were actually a reference to Salvation Army Homes. Meanwhile, I was heading to a farm located in the Western Negev that was among many others that were ravaged by the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. “Even before October 7, there were rocket hits in our greenhouses; an American woman was killed inside the moshav by a rocket once,” the farm’s owner, Uri Patkin, tells ISRAEL21c. From high-tech to farming Patkin, 55, grew up in Yesha, helping his father run the family farm. Eventually he moved to the center of the country, where he worked in high-tech for nearly a decade. “At the age of 35, I left my job and I told my parents I was coming back to the Negev to become a farmer. My dad told me I was crazy,” he says with a laugh. “But by that time I was already married and had children. I thought it would be better to raise a family in a moshav than in the city, closer to the land and nature.” At first, he worked at his father’s prominent flower farm. Shortly afterwards, however, he decided to start cultivating strawberries and business took off. For years, Uri’s Strawberries exported most of its produce to the biggest supermarket chains in Europe. When it became more financially lucrative for Europeans to import produce from countries like Egypt and Morocco, Patkin didn’t scale back; he just redirected the goods to the local market. Special technique One of the main reasons for Patkin’s success was the introduction of a special growing technique that not many Israeli farms were using at the time: planting in containers or baskets suspended from the top of the greenhouse. “The results of the method are high-quality berries with a shelf life that’s longer than what is customary for strawberries,” notes Patkin. Avoiding direct contact with the soil leads to less fungi and mold, requires fewer pesticides and makes picking easier for farm workers. “We also pluck out the bottom leaves, so that way the strawberry is always ventilated by dry air, free of invaders.” Although this method requires infrastructure and larger investments per unit area, he says, it also yields much more produce per unit. ‘The worst day of my life’ Patkin says that even before the October 7 attacks, there were constant “rounds of violence” launched by Gaza terrorist groups toward Israel. “It used to discourage people from coming to work or live here because every few weeks, sometimes every few days, missiles can start falling from the sky,” notes Patkin. But nothing could have prepared Patkin or other residents of the area for that Black Saturday. “It was the worst day of my life; people were being killed all around me,” he recalls. Five of the six were killed in the fighting Yesha was among the very few communities in the area that managed to fight off the invading terrorists thanks to six members of moshav’s emergency squad. However, five of the six were killed in the fighting: Lior Ben Yaakov, Gil Avital, Itai Nachmias, Tal Maban and Dan Assulin. And as they retreated from the moshav, the surviving terrorists kidnapped or killed foreign workers from Thailand. “The foreign workers are not part of this conflict between Palestinians and Israel, and they found themselves on the battlefield. I feel a lot of personal responsibility over that,” Patkin tells ISRAEL21c. Patkin himself was out helping the few IDF soldiers who finally reach the moshav in the afternoon hours. “I had to accompany the army, while taking care of the dead and the wounded, something I don’t recommend anyone go through in their life,” he says. A long time for full rehabilitation By October 8, nearly all Yesha residents were evacuated, except for the replacement emergency squad. A day later, all foreign workers followed. Patkin was among the few residents who never left the moshav, even when his entire family was evacuated. “We were ready to give up on agriculture. We thought, ‘At least we’re alive and healthy.’ But three days later, waves upon waves of volunteers from all over the country showed up, telling us they’re here to save agriculture,” Patkin recalls. He says that for the first three to four months after the attack, agriculture at the moshav was kept going by volunteers, who ultimately saved it. “Our type of agriculture is intense; it’s not like wheat that you plant and it just grows. Every day you have to do agrotechnical work and supervision.” Eventually, Israel began recruiting new agricultural workers from around the world to help rehabilitate the region. “This is what got the farms back on their feet, but still not to the scale they were before October 7,” he says. “I personally revived only about 50% of my farm; it will take a long time for it to fully rehabilitate.” By now, 90 percent of Yesha residents have come back to the moshav. Uri Tutim welcomes tourists to visit and pick strawberries by hand for a small admission fee. These visits help support not only the farm, but the entire region that is still hurting from what it endured. For more information, click here. To read the original article click here.

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Strawberry Salad Recipe

The AHA! Team — Wed, 29 May 2024 08:14:47 +0000

Recipe by: Robby Barbaro, Co-founder, Mastering Diabetes via NutritionFacts – This Strawberry Salad is a delicious way to enjoy summer produce. This Strawberry Salad is a delicious way to enjoy summer produce. The berries and tomatoes add their own flavorful dressing to the salad, but feel free to toss on your favorite vinegar if the mood strikes. Consumption of blueberries and strawberries has been associated with delayed cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years—thought to be because of brain-localizing anthocyanin phytonutrients, as shown on functional MRI scans. Arugula is one of the highest nitrate-containing vegetables. Nitrates from plants are converted into nitric oxide in the body, and potassium increases nitric-oxide release. Including foods high in both nitrates and potassium, such as green leafy vegetables, can help lower blood pressure and improve arterial function. COURSE: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish DIFFICULTY: Easy SERVINGS: 4 INGREDIENTS ▢1 head of romaine lettuce ▢2 cups arugula ▢2 cups chopped or sliced strawberries ▢2 heirloom tomatoes, chopped ▢1 cup blueberries INSTRUCTIONS Wash and clean all of the ingredients. Chop the romaine lettuce and add it to a large bowl, along with the arugula. Toss gently. Add the remaining ingredients, toss again, and serve. To read the original article click here.

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Flavonoids in Strawberries May Hold the Key to Slowing Aging and Preventing Degenerative Disease

AHA Publisher — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – There is one point on which experts in both alternative and Western medicine wholeheartedly agree: brightly-colored fruits and vegetables – such as purple Concord grapes, brilliant orange pumpkins, and ruby-red raspberries – are rich in antioxidant plant pigments that can help ward off chronic degenerative diseases. And, research has just revealed yet another benefit of “eating the rainbow.” Two flavonoids in vibrant red strawberries, fisetin, and quercetin, have been recognized by scientists for their ability to destroy “senile” cells in the body. Senile cells, also known as senescent cells, accelerate the aging process while triggering deadly illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s’ disease, and chronic kidney disease. So let’s take a closer look at the ability of fisetin and quercetin in strawberries to combat destructive senescent cells. Race Against Time: Scientists Scramble to Create Senolytics to Battle Chronic Disease Senescent cells are older, damaged cells that have stopped their normal growth cycle and begun to produce inflammatory (and possibly carcinogenic) chemicals. Researchers have found that aging in tissues is associated with increased cellular senescence – and that multiple chronic diseases, including obesity and chronic kidney disease – are accompanied by an ever-growing accumulation of senescent cells. While these senescent cells are obviously “bad news,” there is a reason for hope. Scientists at the Mayo Clinic are currently pioneering the use of senolytics, which are agents that can destroy senescent cells. While some senolytics – such as the cancer drug dasatinib – must be synthesized in laboratories, the exciting fact is that fisetin and quercetin are natural senolytics found in many fruits and vegetables, including strawberries. By the way, strawberries are the richest dietary source of fisetin on the planet! Early animal studies on senolytics have been encouraging. In a paper published by the esteemed medical journal The Lancet, the authors noted that senolytics could “delay, prevent or alleviate” an impressive menu of age- and senescence-related conditions, including frailty, cataracts, osteoporosis, cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and dementia. Good News: Research on Senolytics, Including Fisetin and Quercetin, Hails Them as Potentially “Transformative” In a controlled clinical trial published in The Lancet, researchers explored the effects of senolytics on human patients with chronic diseases. The team reported that a combination of dasatinib and quercetin decreased senescent cells in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease – and improved walking endurance and gait speed in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. The scientists concluded that senolytics could improve physical function and extend health and lifespan – and said they could be “transformative” in treating older adults with multiple chronic degenerative diseases. It should be emphasized, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that six out of ten American adults currently have a chronic disease – and four out of ten suffer from multiple chronic conditions – this is truly encouraging news! Fisetin and Quercetin in Strawberries Combat Heart Disease and Cancer Fisetin and quercetin both have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, allowing them to scavenge harmful free radicals, prevent disease-causing oxidative damage and reduce the inflammation that lies at the root of many chronic diseases. According to a recent review published in Frontiers in Chemistry, fisetin strongly inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The team reported that fisetin’s anticancer effects increased when paired with antioxidant vitamin C. And, conveniently, strawberries are rich in both. Powerful as they are, fisetin and quercetin are not the only disease-fighting antioxidants strawberries bring to the table. These sweet, juicy berries are also rich in procyanidins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid – which has also been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells. In addition, multiple population studies have demonstrated a link between berry consumption and decreased risk of heart disease-related deaths. For example, in a controlled trial published in Nutrition Research, supplementation with freeze-dried strawberries lowered LDL cholesterol and improved various risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome. And, it doesn’t’ hurt that strawberries are rich in folate – which can help prevent strokes – and potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure. Spectacular Strawberries Are Simple to Serve While strawberries are undeniably full of disease-fighting antioxidants, senolytics, and micronutrients, they are first and foremost a luscious treat that can be prepared and served with a minimum of fuss. Strawberries can be enjoyed “as is,” or you can balance their sweetness with a splash of balsamic vinegar, a dash of black pepper, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scattering of fresh basil or mint. Try stirring them into Greek yogurt, adding them to salads or blending them into your favorite smoothie. By the way, the leaves at the top of the berry are edible – as well as nutritious. Save them to toss into salads or smoothies, or dry them for use in herbal teas. With a modest 32 calories and a substantial 2 grams of fiber in each 3.5-ounce serving, strawberries are a wholesome, low-calorie food with a relatively low glycemic index. Of course, for maximum benefit, always opt for organic berries whenever possible. But, don’t eat strawberries if you are allergic to them. Experts point out that strawberry allergies are more likely to occur in people with allergies to birch pollen and/or apples. Bottom line: strawberries have a rich supply of anti-aging compounds and disease-fighting antioxidants – paired with their juiciness, beautiful scarlet coloration, and irresistible taste. So, no doubt, this fruit makes a spectacular addition to your healthy diet. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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From Coffee to Dark Chocolate, the Many Health Benefits of Polyphenols: ‘Dramatic Anti-Cancer Effects’

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Lori Johnson via CBN News – This year marked the first-ever national Polyphenol Day, a day set aside to recognize one of nature’s healthiest nutrients. Polyphenols, found in certain plant foods are considered very good for the body because of the protection they provide from damage that often comes with aging. In addition to fighting the many negative effects of aging, research shows these compounds can also reduce the risk of heart disease and other leading causes of death. Dr. Steven Gundry, a leading cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in nutrition and the treatment of elderly patients, told CBN News he recommends a diet rich in polyphenols. “Some of these compounds are now recognized as having dramatic anti-cancer effects,” he said. “And I actually use the power of polyphenols in most of my clinic for the active treatment of people with cancer, metastatic cancer, who are inoperable.” In fact, Dr. Gundry pushed the designation of national Polyphenol Day to build interest and knowledge. He said people can find these compounds in their local grocery store if they know what to look for. He says many foods containing polyphenols can be found in the produce department or the frozen food section. “Right now blackberries and raspberries have the highest polyphenol content of any of the berries, that’s followed by strawberries,” he explained. “Traditionally we’ve always thought of blueberries as a great source of polyphenols, but blueberries have actually been bred for sugar content so now blueberries are a little bit down the scale of where you’d find polyphenols. The exception is if you find wild blueberries or tiny blueberries.” Dr. Gundry says when shopping, make sure to go to the aisle where olive oil can be found. It contains high amounts of polyphenols. However, since there are so many different brands, choosing the right olive oil can be confusing. “The more bitter olive oil, the kind that makes you cough, or kind of burns, that’s a sign of the polyphenol content,” he said. Believe it or not, Dr. Gundry says polyphenol-rich foods can be found in the candy aisle in the form of dark chocolate. Like olive oil, Dr. Gundry says the more bitter the better. That means choosing one with the highest percentage of cacao. “Extra dark chocolate has tons of polyphenols. But beware: milk chocolate, which is preferred by Americans, all the polyphenols have been taken out to make it taste good,” he said. Black coffee also does more than give you a morning pick-up, explains Dr. Gundy. “A fascinating study shows people who drink five or more cups of coffee per day have a very low incidence of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s,” he said. “And it turns out it’s the polyphenols that have that benefit.” Some, but not all, teas also score high. “And it really doesn’t matter whether it’s green tea or black tea, but herbal teas aren’t loaded with polyphenols,” he said. Dr. Gundry recommends using spices liberally because most of them, even ordinary black pepper, can help. “Sprinkle them on your salad, on your fish, your chicken,” he said. “You can get polyphenols every day without worrying about it.” By increasing the consumption of polyphenols in foods and beverages, spices, and supplements, research shows we can lower our risk of disease. To read the original article click here.

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Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Naturally Sweetened)

AHA Publisher — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:00:07 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – There isn’t much better on a hot summer day than a fresh glass of lemonade. Unfortunately, many store-bought lemonades contain lots of added sugar and undesirable ingredients. That’s where my homemade strawberry lemonade recipe comes in. Made from local, fresh strawberries, it’s a healthy take on the classic beverage. Sit in the shade with this homemade concoction to help cool off on a hot day. Oh, and the best part? This strawberry lemonade recipe is a sugar-free and refreshing drink — perfect for the summer. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires only four ingredients. That’s right: four! Key Ingredients What is strawberry lemonade made of? As mentioned above, this strawberry lemonade recipe calls for just four simple ingredients: Strawberries: Strawberry nutrition is chock-full of antioxidants like vitamin C, manganese and folate, among several other vitamins and minerals. That’s why strawberries are beneficial for immunity and combating chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. They also aid brain, skin and digestive health. Lemon juice: Made from nutrition lemons, lemon juice also supplies a decent amount of vitamin C and benefits the heart, kidneys and skin. Stevia: Instead of refined sugar or unhealthy sugar substitutes, stevia provides the sweetness to this strawberry lemonade without the adverse effects. In fact, high-quality stevia can actually support weight loss, along with healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. You can also use other healthy, natural sweeteners if stevia isn’t your preferred option. Water: When you really need to quench your thirst and stay hydrated, nothing quite beats a cold class of water, and the benefits of drinking water, especially during summertime, are vast — including helping with detoxification, digestion, calorie intake and more. How to Make Strawberry Lemonade How do you make strawberry lemonade from scratch? It couldn’t be easier! Take your ingredients, beginning with the three cups of water and ending with the stevia, dump them into your blender and — you guessed it — blend until your lemonade is smooth and liquified. That’s it — your blended strawberry lemonade is ready to drink and enjoy on those hot summer days and a recipe you can whip up anytime in a matter of minutes. Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Naturally Sweetened) DESCRIPTION This strawberry lemonade recipe is a sugar-free and refreshing drink — perfect for summer! It’s easy to make and requires only 4 ingredients! INGREDIENTS 3 cups of spring or filtered water ½ cup organic lemon juice 2 cups organic strawberries, fresh or frozen stevia, to taste INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Gluten-Free Homemade Berry Tart Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:46 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Berry lovers, rejoice: Spring is finally here, and that means goodbye to frozen winter fruit and hello to fresh, juicy berries. I have the perfect way to celebrate these delightful little fruits: this fresh berry tart recipe. Just the word “tart” can be enough to send even experienced cooks fleeing from the kitchen, but have no fear — this berry tart is super simple and allows all the berry flavors — such as benefit-rich blueberries — to shine through. Because the fruit tart crust has to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, this is a terrific recipe to prep the night before. Try taking this to your next barbecue — just be ready to share the recipe! What Is a Tart? Simply put, fruit tarts like this fresh berry tart are dishes baked in pastry shells without a top that often contain jelly, custard and/or fruit. Some tart recipes call for all types of decadent — and sometimes unhealthy — ingredients, but fruit tart recipes can be healthy and easy to make. As you probably guessed, this berry tart is one of the healthier fruit tart recipe choices out there thanks to the healthy berries and gluten-free flour, which are just some of the stars of this recipe: Mixed berries: For this recipe, I like to go with a mix of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. Each of berries is high in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, magnesium and many other essential nutrients. Berries are antioxidant powerhouses as well, and they can do everything from protecting against disease to aiding digestion, brain health, weight loss and so much more. Gluten-free flour: My opting for gluten-free flour, you are less likely to deal with digestive issues, and of course, it makes this berry tart recipe good for those with celiac disease. Maple syrup: Instead of adding unhealthy sweeteners or loading up on extra sugar, maple syrup makes for a healthy, natural sweetener to give this dessert a little something extra. Maple syrup nutrition has a relatively low glycemic score, provides antioxidants and can combat inflammation. Butter: Opt for grass-fed butter to ensure you get the healthiest, safest version. It provides healthy fats and is less processed. Eggs: Eggs provide a strong protein punch, and cage-free, free-range eggs ensure you get the highest-quality eggs available. How to Make Berry Tart We’ll start by mixing together the berries and jam and letting them hang out in the fridge. Then, using a food processor or blender, cut the butter into the flour. Once the butter is evenly dispersed, add in the eggs and nutrition-rich maple syrup, and stir it all up to combine. Shape the dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic. Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour — overnight is fine. When you’re ready to get the berry tart going, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a tart pan with parchment paper. Press the dough into the pan gently, and slide into the oven. Let the dough bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned around the edges. Once the pie crust has cooled to the touch, pour the berry mixture into it. Before diving in, top this beautiful berry tart with my homemade Coconut Whipped Cream. This is a fantastic recipe when berries are in season. Take advantage, and make this berry tart recipe soon! Gluten-Free Homemade Berry Tart Recipe DESCRIPTION When you have fresh, juicy berries, you should try making my gluten-free Berry Tart. It’s easier than making a pie and just as delicious! INGREDIENTS For the filling: 4 cups fresh mixed berries 10 ounces all-fruit jam For the crust: ½ stick butter 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour 2 eggs 2 tablespoons maple syrup INSTRUCTIONS Mix together berries and jam. Cover and refrigerate. Cut the butter into the flour with a pastry blender or food processor. Add eggs and maple syrup to flour mixture and combine. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 425 F. Press dough into a parchment-lined tart pan and bake for 20 minutes or until crust is done and lightly brown around the edges. Allow the pie crust to cool to room temperature. Pour berries into tart crust and serve with coconut whipped cream. NOTES This recipe allows you to decide which type of berries you want to include in the mix. I usually opt for a combination of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, but you can customized to your preferred taste. If you don’t have gluten-free flour on hand, you can use regular all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern for you. The whipped cream topping is optional. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Strawberry Bread Recipe

AHA Publisher — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:47 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Strawberries are one of the most universally loved fruits with good reason. Beyond just looking (can anyone actually resist that juicy red color) and tasting delicious, they’re extremely versatile. You can make strawberry lemonade, throw them in a smoothie or even use them as a teeth whitener! But one of my favorite ways to use strawberries is baking them into a loaf of strawberry bread. If you’ve never tried strawberry bread, prepare to be dazzled. This recipe creates a fresh loaf of the stuff that’s full of heart-healthy coconut oil, crunchy pecan nuts for a dose of healthy fats and cinnamon, one of the healthiest herbs. Because it uses gluten-free flour, it’s appropriate for those following a gluten-free diet and is vegetarian friendly, too. It does double duty as a sweet breakfast — combine it with yogurt for more protein — or a dessert. And because this strawberry bread recipe requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time, it’s the perfect recipe to make when company unexpectedly arrives. Let’s get started, shall we? How to Make Strawberry Bread Choose the freshest, juiciest strawberries you can get your hands on and slice ‘em up. Throw them in a bowl and then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar, reserving the rest. Steal a few sugary berries from the bowl and nibble. I won’t tell. In a separate bowl, combine flour, the rest of your coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda and stir to combine. Back to the berry bowl! Add coconut oil and eggs into the bowl and then add in the bowl of dry ingredients. Don’t mix these up too much; we want to stir these together until all the ingredients are just combined. Add in pecans (or another nut of your preference — even chocolate chips would be delicious!) and transfer the whole heaping mixture to a standard-sized greased loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until done. Tip: stick a toothpick in the loaf. When the toothpick comes out clean, the loaf is ready. Let the loaf cool and enjoy! If you’re serving this as a dessert, a heaping scoop of ice cream makes a delicious accompaniment to this strawberry bread recipe. Enjoy! Strawberry Bread Recipe DESCRIPTION One of my favorite ways to use strawberries is baking them into a loaf of strawberry bread. If you’ve never tried strawberry bread, prepare to be dazzled. INGREDIENTS 1 cup fresh strawberries ½ cup coconut oil 2 eggs, beaten 1½ cups gluten-free flour 1 cup coconut sugar 1½ teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ cup pecans, chopped INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice strawberries and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle lightly with coconut sugar. In a big mixing bowl, mix coconut oil and eggs together. Add flour, rest of coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Stir in the strawberries and pecans. Transfer mixture to greased (with coconut oil) loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes or until cooked through. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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This Unexpected Physical Problem Could Mean You’re Lacking Vitamin C in Your Diet

AHA Publisher — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 08:00:45 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – If your gums bleed, you could be in the early stages of gingivitis, an inflammatory condition caused by a build-up of bacteria and plaque inside the mouth. But a study just published in Nutrition Reviews suggests that poor dental habits and oral bacteria might not be the only explanation for bleeding gums. Incredibly, a vitamin deficiency — vitamin C deficiency, to be exact — could be to blame. New Research Suggests Low Levels of Vitamin C in the Blood May Be at the Root of This Common Oral Health Problem The authors of the breaking study, titled “Bleeding tendency and ascorbic acid requirements: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials,” assessed 15 clinical trials from six countries, representing 1,140 people. The researchers also collected and analyzed data of over 8,200 Americans from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Based on their analysis, the researchers concluded that people who experienced bleeding of their gums and even bleeding in the eye (retinal hemorrhage), were more likely to have low levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in their blood. Furthermore, increasing vitamin C intake seemed to help reduce the bleeding problems! The link between gum health and vitamin C isn’t a brand new discovery. Swollen, bleeding, and discolored gums is one of the most well-recognized signs of scurvy, a potentially fatal disease caused by very low levels of vitamin C. But this new data suggests that “setting human [vitamin C] requirements based on scurvy prevention leads to [vitamin C] plasma levels that may be too low to prevent an increased gingival bleeding tendency,” according to the study authors. In other words, just because we can get enough vitamin C to avoid scurvy doesn’t necessarily mean we’re getting enough vitamin C for optimal health. How Much of This Vitamin Do You Need? Here’s a Quick Primer (and Sample Shopping List) If you experience bleeding gums (or if you ever notice that your sputum or toothpaste has a pinkish tint to it), it could be time to visit the dentist or doctor for a check-up. Bleeding gums are also a good reminder to improve your oral hygiene habits (e.g., twice-daily brushing and flossing, avoiding sugary foods and beverages, etc.). But you should also take a look at your diet and ensure you’re eating plenty of vitamin C rich foods. If low vitamin C levels are leading to bleeding gums, then no amount of flossing and brushing will fully resolve the underlying cause of your gum issues. According to Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount for a typical adult is between 65 and 90 milligrams (or up to 120 mg for lactating women), while the upper limit is 2,000 mg per day. Other than using a supplement, you can easily hit your recommended amount by adding more of these foods to your diet: Sweet red pepper (half a cup has 95 mg) Strawberries (half a cup has 49 mg) Grapefruit (half of one has 39 mg) Kiwifruit (1 has 64 mg) Brussels sprouts (half a cup has 48 mg) By the way, in case you needed another reason to quit smoking: the National Institutes of Health say research consistently shows that smokers have lower plasma levels of vitamin C because of smoking-induced oxidative stress. For this reason, smokers should consume about 35 mg more than nonsmokers (or better yet, quit smoking altogether). Sources for this article include: Washington.edu StudyFinds.org Academic.oup.com NIH.gov VIC.gov.au To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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