April has many delicious and healthy varieties of fruits and vegetables to try. Let’s focus of three of Dr. Joy Lunan’s favorites – oranges, rhubarb and limes.

Oranges

It’s common knowledge that oranges are high in vitamin c, strengthening our immune systems. They also help prevent cancer and kidney disease, reduce the risk of liver cancer and lower cholesterol. Oranges have also been foound to be a tooth friendly fruit! They help keep the gumss healthy by keeping blood vessels strong and reducing inflammation in the gums. This is great news for your gums, teeth and oral health!    

Try this recipes using oranges:

Immunity Boosting Orange Smoothie

 

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1 large orange, peeled
• ½ medium banana
• 1 cup frozen mango pieces
• ½ cup almond milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is key for its prevention in Alzheimer’s Disease. It also relieves chronic constipation, reduces blood sugar level, promotes bile production, improves liver health and aids in visual health. Dr. Lunan loves that it acts as an anti-inflammatroy and builds bone strength, keeping your gums, teeth and jaw bones healthy!   Try this recipe:

Rhubarb Sorbet Recipe

• Prep time: 3 hours
• Yield: Makes about one quart

Also makes great popsicles! Just pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups of chopped fresh rhubarb stalks (4-5 stalks, do not use the poisonous leaves!)
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 1 2/3 cups of white granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of orange zest
• 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tbsp of corn syrup

Directions

1. Cook the rhubarb in water with sugar, zest, ginger, salt: Put the chopped rhubarb, water, sugar, orange zest, ginger, and salt into a 3 to 4-quart pot. Heat on high heat to bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to low to simmer, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the rhubarb is falling apart tender.

2. Purée and press through sieve: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Either use an immersion blender or work in batches with a standing blender to purée the mixture until smooth. Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any of the stringy pulp.

Stir in the corn syrup.

3. Chill: Cover and refrigerate until totally chilled, several hours or overnight. (Can more quickly chill in the freezer if you check it and stir it every 15 minutes.)

4. Process in ice cream maker: Process in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note that right out of the ice cream maker the sorbet will have a soft consistency. If you would like it to be firmer, put it in a covered container and freeze it for a few hours.

Once frozen, you may need to let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften before serving.

Limes 

Limes offer antioxidant benefits and have antibiotic properties to fight or prevent cancer. They promote activity of liver enzymes that detox the body and deactivates harmful cancer causing chemicals and removes them from the body through our urine. Limes aid in weight loss by promoting healthy digestion, increasing digestive juices and warding off constipation. Dr. Lunan loves that they are loaded with vitamin C which helps with the growth, repair and maintenance of bones and teeth!  Try these:

Lime Bars

 

Prep time 15 mins

Cook time 40 mins

Serves: 16 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 Tbsp. vanilla yogurt
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 eggs
• ⅔ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 3-4 drops green food coloring
• zest of 1 lime
• powdered sugar, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter and yogurt. Mix until mixture is crumbly. Press onto bottom of ungreased 9x13" pan. Bake for 20 minutes in preheated oven. Pull out of oven and set aside to cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl with beater, beat sweetened condensed milk and eggs until fluffy. Add in lime juice, flour, baking powder, salt and food coloring just until combined. Lightly add in lime zest and pour over crust.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. Cool in pan and then refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Cut into bars, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve. Enjoy!

Enjoy April’s seasonal produce, especially those that are good for your teeth!   If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Lunan’s dental office.  203-598-7920           Our reviews here.