“Many of the nutrients present in our foods are developed from raw materials found in the soil where the food is grown.  When the fruit or vegetable is harvested also determines the amount of nutrients present since the nutrient density develops with growth.  Unfortunately, many of our products are grown in soil that has been overused.  As well, in order to reach the grocery stores in edible condition, many fruits are harvested before they ripen.  These conditions decrease the nutrients that are available to the consumer.

Supplementation of nutrients may be necessary when the person does not consume the full required intake of 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  It may also be needed during the winter seasons when local sun-ripened products are not available and our fruits and vegetables are imported from other countries and thus may be picked before all the nutrients are fully developed.”

“An antioxidant has the ability to step between a compound seeking electron (the free radical) and normal body cells.  By donating electrons to this compound, the antioxidant will neutralize it and protect that part of the cell from attack and damage.  There are numerous antioxidants available in the body such as Vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, beta-carotene and lycopene to name a few.  Some antioxidants can become radicals when they donate an electron.  Other antioxidants with different properties join in and stop the reaction.  When we have infections such as bad breath or even when we exercise, our production of free radicals increases and more antioxidants are needed to neutralize them.  For a healthy body and a healthy immune system, it is necessary to have all types of antioxidants present.  This means that we have to pay attention to our diets very carefully.”

“”Nutrition is the process by which living things use food to obtain nutrients for energy, growth, development and maintenance of body cells.  Nutrients are biochemical substances that are supplied to our bodies from the food that we eat.  These nutrients are water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins.  All of these nutrients are essential, including fats.  All nutrients must be taken in moderation and these substances will then provide us with energy, heal our bodies and help us to repair broken cells and tissues.  As we learn about how the body functions, we are realizing that in addition to the major nutrients, there are many micronutrients called photochemicals that contribute to well being in ways that we do not yet understand.

Eating 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables is a very good way to get healthy cells and this includes the cells that make up the tissues of the mouth.  Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, for example, blueberries, cranberries, red bell peppers, tomatoes and spinach are rich in protective antioxidants and photochemicals. 

Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage created by substances called free radicals.  Free radicals are often natural byproducts, often short-lived forms of oxygen or carbon compounds that are missing an electron.  These free radicals can be a result of metabolism or they can be formed by the immune system to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms.  Because they cause a reaction much like the chain reaction in polymerization chemistry they can cause much cell damage.”

Check back next week on the 25th of January (next Monday) as we continue with the Fresh Breath doc’s guide to fresh breath!