What is Silica? Silica Mineral Health Facts

Silica The Youth Mineral

What is silica?

Silica may just be one of the most overlooked minerals in terms of health benefits. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz. In the human body, this chemical compound is what holds us together as it its a key element in the formation of collagen. Silica its found in every organ of the body from the blood circulatory system to the transmission of nerve signals. Specific benefits of silica include:

• Promoting stronger fingernails
• Producing healthy hair and clear skin
• Countering some effects of aging
• Daily healthy functioning of our body’s organs and connective tissues
• Counteracting dry skin
• Improved digestion
• Boost to metabolism
• Stimulation of cell formation

Silica and the Human Body

Silica is one of the most common elements on Earth. We are born with an abundance of silica and relatively low amounts of calcium. Then with every advancement in chronological age, the amount of calcium increases and the amount of silica decreases within the body. As we age, our bodies are not able to maintain enough of this mineral to be of much benefit beyond what is necessary to keep our body’s functioning.

Silica and Bone Strength

Calcium and Vitamin D get a lot of credit for maintaining bone strength, but they cannot do the job alone. Silica helps with calcium absorption. As with other minerals, there are foods that are natural sources of silica. Some of these include cucumbers, wheat, onions, oats, strawberries, avocados and brown rice. Herbs with silica include nettle and horsetail.

Silica and Our Skin

Silica is extremely beneficial in terms of promoting healthy skin. As we get older, natural collagen levels drop to the point where skin condition visibly deteriorates and shows signs of aging. Silica is found abundantly in collagen which we know is the most needed component to maintain youthful, healthy skin. Silica combats common signs of aging by improving the elasticity of skin, enhancing collagen formation and improve overall skin tone.

Silica and Our Health

Recent studies suggest silica may play a role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Silica may be beneficial to certain female health needs as well, including reproductive issues. Additional health benefits of silica include better overall heart health. According to the American Heart Association, silica may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in some individuals.

Realistically, it is not really practical to get all the silica we need from food alone. Many of the foods we eat are processed with the amount of silica greatly reduced during the refinement process. Supplements may be necessary to increase the amount of silica in our bodies to useful levels. The visible benefits are seen in our hair, skin and fingernails. Many other benefits are internal, but just as important.