Boron is a vital trace mineral that is usually overlooked. It participates in mineral regulation by improving the body’s ability to absorb both calcium and magnesium through the conversion of vitamin D into its active form. This makes it an essential mineral for preventing symptoms associated with arthritis, high blood pressure, muscle cramps, insomnia and stress induced fatigue and hormone balancing.
Postmenopausal women supplementing with boron have seen a decrease of calcium in urine. Boron enhances the uptake and spares the loss of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Therefore, boron is essential to the metabolism and calcification of bones. It helps prevent osteoporosis, arthritis and tooth decay. It is necessary for cartilage formation and repair. Boron greatly reduces the allergenic and inflammatory conditions that are typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Boron is known to help rid the body of excess heavy metals. Both calcium and magnesium are reported to bind with aluminum, cadmium and excess copper to help eliminate it from the body. Research is also showing that boron may play a protective role against the damaging effects of uranium, radium and radon.
Boron is stored in the parathyroid glands and plays a role in regulating hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone. This makes boron essential to a healthy thyroid, balanced cortisol, healthy libido as well as fertility. Boron’s influence on balancing electrolytes also makes it essential to proper brain function. It is known to help balance the stress hormones serotonin and dopamine as well as improve memory.
Symptoms of possible BORON deficiency are arthritis, memory loss, brittle bones, muscle pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, degenerative joint disease, receding gums, hormonal imbalance, weak cartilage, kidney disease and loss of libido.
FOOD SOURCES OF BORON: Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are excellent sources of boron. Avocados are particularly rich in this element and contain approximately 2 mg per serving. Other excellent sources include almonds, walnuts, dates, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, potatoes, pears, prunes, honey, oranges, onions, chick peas, carrots, beans, bananas, red grapes, red apples and raisins.