It seems like something everyone already knows, but that’s how regulation goes. Before any firm can write any health claim on their packaging labels, all these go through rigorous validation processes first. And in fact, not all fluoridated water qualify. According to the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and applied Nutrition, “the food eligible to bear the claim is bottled water [snip] containing greater than 0.6 and up to 1.0 mg/L total fluoride, and meeting all general requirements for health claims….”

The American Dental Association (ADA) applauds this development and also agrees with the FDA that this health claim is not intended for use on bottled water marketed to infants for whom lesser amounts of fluoride are appropriate.

Of course, you might not have to buy fluoridated water. There’s a good likelihood that your tap water also contains fluorine and is as safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. The ADA has a good resource page on fluoride and fluoridation.

Post from: Blisstree

Fluoridated Bottled Water Prevents Tooth Decay

[snip]…simply adding oregano leaves to either white or red wine can protect against bacteria such as Escherica coli or Salmonella enterica when applied to food. The oregano leaves contain carvacrol, which disrupts the bacteria’s cell walls.

Other spices such as cloves, cinammon and lemongrass also add to the antimicrobial properties of alcohol, making it an ideal preservative or marinade. They say it can also be used as a food wash, but really, I cannot imagine washing my veggies in wine, spiced or not.

David also mentions that the alcohol in wine fortifies the dentin in teeth by removing water and can therefore strengthen teeth. The only people I can imagine benefitting from this though, are wine tasters, or those who really drink a lot, as the alcohol has to be kept in the mouth for a quite a while for the alcohol to take effect. And if you’re drinking red wines… er, strong discolored teeth, anyone?

[Photo: quentinh]

Post from: Blisstree

Kill Germs With Spiced Wines