Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 7-19-19

Health
GET YOU OVER A COLD
It’s a myth that the vita- min C in lemons and limes will prevent a cold. But you do need it to keep your im- mune system running at peak levels. Taking it at the first sign of the sniffles may help you feel better faster.
ADD A DASH OF FLAVOR
Whether you squeeze the juice into water or onto a tasty fish dish, these tangy citrus treats provide you with the same vitamins and minerals as other cit- rus fruits. The best part: They do it with less sugar.
BOOST YOUR BRAIN
Lemons and limes have special chemicals that may keep brain cells safe from toxic substances in your body. And because they also protect against general cell break- down and inflammation, they may help prevent brain dis- eases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
KEEP WRINKLES AT BAY
It’s all that vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. Your body can’t create it, so you have to get it from food. It helps make col- lagen, which keeps your skin springy and full. Without enough, it’ll start to wrinkle.
Sure, that’s also a natural part of aging, but you can slow it down with the right vitamins and nutri- tion.
REV YOU UP
Thiamin and riboflavin, part of a group of vitamins called B complex, turn your food into the energy you need. They also help the cells in your body to grow and do their jobs. Just one medium sized lemon or lime gives you a small portion of what you need every day.
KILL NASTY BUGS
Their high acid content adds the perfect sour bite to your salad greens. It also helps kill sal- monella bacteria that might be on your food, your cut- ting board, or your
kitchen counter. That might be the difference between a pleasant evening and a long, long night. Don’t plan on scrubbing the bathroom with it, but if you want to make sure your greens are clean, a half vinegar, half lemon juice mix should zap most of the bacteria in about 15 min- utes.
KEEP GUMS HEALTHY
Swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth are signs of scurvy. It was common long ago when people didn’t have easy access to foods with vitamin C. But you could get it now if you’re older, a smoker, have a low in-
come, or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Before you chow down on citrus to prevent it, know this: Citric acid is good for what ails you but bad for tooth enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink something with acid before
you brush your teeth.
PAGE 8-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2019