There’s Something in the Water

through which it might have absorbed heavy metals. Buy spirulina from a trusted brand that is transparent about where it sources its spirulina. California and Hawaii are trustworthy places for spirulina growth—look for brands like Microingredeints Pure Organic Spirulina, Earthrise Spirulina, or Pure Hawaiian Spirulina.

When you bring spirulina home, whether you have it in raw or powdered form, you should always store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight (such as your fridge). Spirulina even freezes nicely, though if you have an open package, be sure to remove any air before sealing it shut and putting it in the freezer.

Curious about how you can start using spirulina in your kitchen at home? Once you get a sense of how spirulina tastes and how it complements other foods, you’ll be able to get creative with using it in many of your favorite recipes. Here are a few to get you started:

Spirulina Pesto

INGREDIENTS

1 cup basil 1/2 cup spinach 1/4 cup cashews 2 cloves garlic 1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon fresh spirulina 1 avocado 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 cup olive oil Juice the lemon and discard the ring. Mince the garlic cloves. Pack everything into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Toss with pasta or use as a topping on pizza.

There’s Something in the Water

WHAT IS FLUORIDE, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR DENTAL HEALTH?

By Dylan Roche

Since the first half of the 20th century, cavities in children have gone down—way down. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) says that pediatric dentists see about one-third of the number of cavities today compared to the 1940s. And that, according to the ADA, is thanks in large part to fluoridated water.

You’ve probably heard of fluoride before. It’s a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks that releases into the water and air around it. When we ingest it, it re-mineralizes the surface of our teeth and helps make our tooth enamel stronger, harder, and more resistant to decay. That’s a good thing, because weak tooth enamel is susceptible to the acids produced by sugar residue left on our teeth after eating.

For many generations, the only fluoride people received was what was found naturally in the water they drank. In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to add larger quantities of fluoride to its public water supply. Fluoridating water quickly became commonplace, and today, about 75 percent of public water supplies in the United States—and 93 percent of public water in Maryland—is fluoridated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls water fluoridation one of the great public health achievements of the 20th century—up there with vaccination, family planning, and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard.

In recent years, the practice of fluoridating water has met some resistance based on misinformation. The ADA maintains that scientific evidence shows fluoride in water is not toxic, and it is only in massive amounts that fluoride poses health risks. Water fluoridation is a practice endorsed not only by the ADA but also the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Public Health Service, and other agencies.

Although fluoridation makes a big difference in the oral health of both children and adults, good dental practices are still necessary—that means brushing and flossing daily, using an antibacterial mouthwash, going for regular checkups with your dentist, and avoiding tobacco.