Each year on the third Friday in August, we celebrate Statehood Day, the day in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state of the union. What better way to celebrate Statehood Day than by chowing down on some seasonal snacks?
Regardless of what you make, stick with fresh fruits and veggies – they’re tooth-healthy, good for your body and 100% delicious! In several studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and many cancers including oral cancer. Consider these options for your Statehood Day snacks – and feel free to have seconds.
Apples: “An apple a day keeps food particles away” doesn’t quite have the same ring to it as that other saying, but it’s true. The crunchiness in apples and other firm fruits and vegetables stimulates saliva flow, which helps wash away lingering food pieces and buffers harmful acids. Munch away!
Strawberries and Melons: These fruits have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva, helping your oral health in the same way apples do. You can also snack on a couple cups of cantaloupe to up your intake of potassium, a nutrient that helps promote good bone density.
Spinach: Popeye was onto something. The Vitamin K found in spinach helps your body absorb the calcium in other foods more efficiently. A spinach salad with low-fat cheese and some strawberries is a summer salad combo that can’t be beat.
After you’ve cooked, dished, devoured and digested some tooth-healthy fare, consider stopping by the Made in Hawaii Festival, August 15th – 17th in Honolulu. Enjoy all things made in Hawaii, including food, books, arts, crafts and more!
