Only a few people know that there are antibacterial foods. These natural weapons work against bacteria that tend to accumulate in the mouth and are responsible for the development of tooth decay. Find out in today's blog post how mushrooms and onions promote and sustainably improve dental health.
Bacteria are a serious threat to healthy teeth. They can cause dental diseases such as caries and periodontal disease. Although harmful bacteria can be stopped with special active ingredients, such as those found in toothpaste and mouthwash, they can damage the natural oral flora if used over a long period of time.
In nature, plants produce special substances to protect themselves from these types of bacteria. These substances are known as secondary plant substances. They often influence the taste or smell of a plant. The great thing about secondary plant substances? They not only protect the plant itself, but also pass on the positive effects.
Antibacterial foods
Many plant-based foods contain secondary plant substances. These primarily serve to protect the body itself. However, if consumed in sufficient quantities, they also help other living creatures. Onions, green tea, garlic, various herbs, birch sugar and spices are packed with valuable defenses against bacteria.
Onions are known for their distinctive smell and sharp taste. Onions contain valuable substances such as allicin and various mustard oils. The plants use these substances to defend themselves against bacteria. Onion extracts can inhibit the growth of streptococcus bacteria. These are the main cause of tooth decay. Even germs that cause periodontitis have been controlled with the help of onion extract.
Green tea also has an antibacterial effect. According to traditional Asian folk medicine, Chinese tea is even recommended for strengthening teeth and oral mucosa.
Garlic is very similar to onions. The fine bulb can kill bacteria in sufficient doses. Garlic was even used as a natural substitute for antibiotics during the Second World War.
Birch sugar is also known as xylitol. The bark of this special birch tree tastes just as sweet as sugar. However, it does not provide a food source for caries bacteria. For this reason, xylitol is also recommended as a tooth-friendly food.
Kitchen herbs such as oregano, tarragon, sage, peppermint and thyme are also antibacterial foods. They have a germ-inhibiting effect.
Spices such as chili, allspice and ginger contain so-called pungent substances, similar to onions and garlic. Cinnamon, lemongrass, anise and caraway are also said to have good antibacterial effects.
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