stories:
Nagging Question
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Why Does Spinach Leave a Film on Your Teeth?It’s the teeny crystals that feel funny |
Spinach contains oxalic acid, which is released when you chew it. “When the calcium in your saliva combines with the oxalic acid, calcium oxalate crystals are created,” says Jennifer Moltoni, administrative coordinator at the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Because calcium oxalate is not soluble, explains Moltoni, “it deposits on your teeth, which results in the gritty, spinach-mouth feeling.” An interesting note: The sensation worsens if you drink milk while eating spinach, since this introduces even more calcium into the mix.
I find if you add enough olive oil to a sauteed spinach with garlic, the nasty sensation does not occur. Perhaps i am coating/sheilding my teeth with the olive oil.
I use a lot of butter but I get it. Very interesting
ok, very interesting....but how do i get rid of it?
brush your teeth
haha great how bout BEFORE my guests (and me) get it?
Acids, like lemon juice, prevent it.
thanks :)
Interesting... I've never noticed a film on my teeth after eating spinach before. I'll pay attention next time I have some. However, I hate the sticky slime/film I get on my tongue when drinking certain juices, cranberry juice especially. Maybe I'll email and ask about that...
I have never experienced this, nor heard from someone who has.
Note that if you're subject to calcium oxalate kidney stones (the most common kind), spinach is on the top of the list of foods to avoid!!!