itjoe_toscha

Temen pasti sering membuang pisang jika warnanya mulai kecoklatan karena dianggap sudah mulai busuk. Hmmm… sebaiknya jangan dulu deh..

Sebenernya perubahan warna tersebut menunjukan bahwa kadar antioksidan dalam buah pisang tersebut telah meningkat. Hal ini terjadi ketika klorofil dalam buah terpecah dan berubah menjadi “powerful antioxidant” yang disebut nonfluorescing chlorophil catabolytes (NCCs) yang sangat bermanfaat bagi tubuh kita. So, mudah kan cara mendapatkan antioksidan yang bagus yang ada di sekitar kita tanpa repot2 membeli suplemen antioksidan yang harganya mungkin cukup mahal.

Semoga bermanfaat (^^)v

Suatu riset menunjukkan bahwa bakteri asam laktat berpotensi mengikat kolesterol. Bakteri tersebut menghasilkan enzim Bile Salt Hydrolase (BSH). Enzim ini menghasilkan asam empedu terdekonjugasi dalam bentuk asam kolat bebas yang kurang diserap usus halus dibanding asam empedu terkonjugasi. Karenanya asam empedu yang kembali ke hati menjadi berkurang. Asam empedu yang terbuang lewat buang air besar itu mengakibatkan semakin banyak kolesterol yang dibutuhkan untuk mensintesis garam empedu lagi, sehingga kadar kolesterol akhirnya menjadi turun.

Bakteri asam laktat dalam yogurt mempunyai berbagai manfaat untuk kesehatan. Di antaranya sebagai probiotik yang dapat menekan pertumbuhan bakteri penyebab penyakit saluran pencernaan, karena bakteri asam laktat memproduksi senyawa antimikroba, antara lain bakteriosin, hidrogen peroksida, dan berbagai antibiotik.

Bakteri asam laktat terdapat dalam yogurt. Bakteri ini membentuk koloni dan menciptakan lingkungan dalam saluran pencernaan sedemikian rupa sehingga dapat mencegah pertumbuhan bakteri patogen yang masuk ke tubuh. Karena itu dapat mencegah diare yang disebabkan bakteri patogen.

Bakteri asam laktat juga dapat mencegah infeksi saluran urine, mengurangi risiko timbulnya kanker atau tumor saluran pencernaan dan organ lain, menurunkan kadar kolesterol serum darah, mengurangi risiko penyakit jantung koroner, merangsang terbentuknya sistem imun, membantu penderita lactose intolerance dalam mengkonsumsi susu, dan memperlancar buang air besar.

Dugaan bahwa mengkonsumsi produk fermentasi susu yang mengandung bakteri asam laktat dapat menurunkan kadar kolesterol serum darah sehingga menurunkan risiko penyakit jantung koroner itu, memang belum pasti. Namun beberapa penelitian mengemukakan dua teori berikut ini.

• Beberapa galur (strain) bakteri asam laktat mampu melakukan metabolisme kolesterol dari makanan dalam usus halus sehingga tidak diserap tubuh.

• Beberapa galur bakteri asam laktat mampu melakukan dekonyugasi garam bile dalam usus halus untuk mencegah absorpsi kembali oleh tubuh sehingga merangsang hati untuk mensintesis lebih banyak garam bile dari kolesterol serum. Kedua hal itu menurunkan kadar kolesterol serum.

Semoga bermanfaat..^^

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Discolored or yellow teeth may or may not be your fault. Either way, blame one or more of the following:

Foods

Foods with lots of pigment such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, most varieties of berries, cherries, and curry will stain teeth. Slightly acidic foods, such as citrus, also open up the pores of the tooth enamel which causes teeth to stain more easily.

Drinks

Coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks such as colas, teas, and cranberry juice can cause staining. Keep in mind that anything that will stain a white T-shirt can also stain teeth. Watch out for extremely hot or extremely cold liquids. They will change the temperature of your teeth causing them to expand and contract. This allows stains to penetrate teeth more easily.

Smoking

You probably already knew that smoking stains teeth. Most of the stain from smoking can be removed if you catch it early enough, but as time goes on, the staining spreads deeper into the enamel and is much more difficult to remove. Eventually smoking will permanently stain your teeth.

Chewing Tobacco

A brown/black stain is usually found on the enamel of tobacco chewers. This stain is especially pronounced on the bottom front teeth where the tobacco is stored.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing, flossing, regular dental checkups, and cleanings will go a long way toward keeping your teeth healthy and white.

Overbrushing

What? It's possible to brush your teeth to much? It sure is. Overbrushing with an abrasive toothpaste (like most whitening toothpastes) and a hard bristle brush can actually brush away the enamel of your teeth over time. This will cause the underlying, yellow, dentin to show. This is one of the reasons that dentists recommend soft bristle brushes.

Disease and Medications

Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and some acne and arthritis treatments can cause tooth discoloration from long term use.

Antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline can also cause discoloration. Young children are particularly susceptible to these.

Chemotherapy can cause tooth discoloration.

Mouth washes containing cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine can stain teeth.

Aging

As people grow older their teeth produce more stains. The enamel also thins through wear and tear. This causes the yellow dentine layer to show through, and makes teeth appear yellow and dull.

Fluoride

High fluoride levels in the water you drink can contribute to tooth discoloration. Children are especially susceptible as they can get fluorosis from swallowing toothpaste. Fluorosis causes chalky-white patches or lines on teeth.

Genetics

Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others.

Injury

A really hard bump can cause nerve problems which will discolor a tooth. Whitening may temporarily whiten the outside of the tooth, but this should really have a dentist's attention.

Keeping Teeth White

So what can you do to keep your teeth glowing white? Here are some easy to follow tips:

Avoid Foods That Stain Teeth

Foods with lots of pigment such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, most varieties of berries, cherries, and curry will stain teeth. If these cannot be completely avoided, it is recommended to brush your teeth as soon as possible after eating these foods.

Drink Water

You can help prevent stains to your teeth by swishing a mouthful of water around immediately after eating or drinking a staining beverage. This also helps to keep breath fresh.

Use a Straw

Coffee, Red wine, Colas and other dark soft drinks, teas, and cranberry juice can cause staining. Using a straw for these drinks will allow the staining liquid to bypass the front teeth.

Eat Crunchy Foods

Celery, apples, and other crunchy foods will remove food particles in your teeth and help to prevent stains. Sticky foods are more likely to cause staining.

Brush Your Teeth…The Right Way

Brushing your teeth is essential for good oral hygiene. It also helps to remove plaque and keep your teeth white. Here are some tips for getting the most out of brushing:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day

• Use a whitening toothpaste

• Use a soft bristle brush

• Use an electric toothbrush if possible

• Brush thoroughly in a gentle circular action

• Brush where the gums meet your teeth

• Replace your toothbrush every three months

• Don't brush too hard!

• Floss.