Silica

Silica is the oxide form of silicon, meaning silica has an oxygen molecule attached via covalent bonding. It actually has an abundance of sulfur-oxygen bonds in its natural state. Together, silica and sulfur are the designate “beauty minerals”. They are known to improve, hair, skin, nails and teeth.

Silica is the primary calcium management element and is responsible for making sure calcium is not stored in areas like, artery walls, joints, organs, and muscle tissue especially the heart. A deficiency contributes to osteoporosis, arthritis, dental cavities, weak bones, muscle cramps, lung disorders and atherosclerosis-weak and porous arteries.

Silica plays a role is in collagen formation. It is essential to the growth of hair, nails, and teeth. It makes the eyes bright and protects the skin from becoming flabby. Some of the most common symptoms of deficiency are brittle nails, loss of hair and poor skin quality.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that silica also helps eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as aluminum. In studies, it has been shown to have a high-aluminum-affinity and reduces aluminum availability from the human gastrointestinal tract. This makes silica essential to both brain and gut health.

The main food sources of silicon are organic apples, oranges, cherries, raisins, raw almonds, raw peanuts, raw cabbage, onions, endives, organic carrots, eggplants, pumpkin, organic red beets, organic celery, organic cucumber, cold water fish, raw honey, and organic corn. Not usually considered food but safe to consume; diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay are both high in silica.