Here Is Why You Need Silicon For Healthy Hair, Skin And Nails

Here Is Why You Need Silicon For Healthy Hair, Skin And Nails

The Many Uses of Silicon

Silicon has many uses and many health benefits. The industrial uses of silicon see it in high-tech devices and in electrical circuits. It’s used as an anti-caking agent and as a food additive. It helps to clarify beverages and liquids. It is used in bread dough and also features as a component in common medical and vitamin supplements.

The Health Uses of Silicon

Silicon is used in our bodies in a bioavailable form called silica (or orthosilicic acid).

Did you know that our connective tissues (ligaments, tendons and discs) are largely comprised of silica?

In fact the highest amounts of silica can be found in our bones and skin. Silica interacts with different minerals in our body including molybdenum, aluminium and calcium, as well as magnesium and vitamin D and K.

Therapeutic Uses of Silica

Hair, Skin and Nail Health

You may have heard that silica is good for strengthening our hair, skin and nails. Research has shown that deficiencies of silica contribute to hair thinning, nail brittleness, wrinkles and early drying and ageing of our skin.

You see, a sufficient supply of this mineral helps to restores your skin’s natural glow while helping in the prevention of common skin issues. When it comes to wound healing, silicon also plays an important role.

Silica is vital for hair health. It has been used to improve hair growth in alopecia (thinning and baldness) as well as by improving the lustre and shine of hair, making it thick and healthy. Silica also strengthens nails, preventing brittleness and infections.

Is Silica Simply Another Trend?

Sure as hairstyle trends come and go, we also see health and nutritional supplement trends come and go. However when it comes to silica, there are proven benefits in strengthening our hair, skin and bones. Many people are aware of the need for silica in our diets and this need seems to represent more than a passing trend.

Bones and Joints

Studies show that deficiencies in silica result in bone and joint deformities. Silica works to strengthen bones and helps increase joint flexibility. It does this through close interaction with vitamin D, calcium and by enhancing cartilage.

Significant deficiencies contribute to skull and bone deformities as well as reduced cartilage and collagen repair. You may also see a disruption to your mineral composition in bones like the femur and your spinal vertebrae.

Importantly, collagen production is only possible with silicon. For bone growth and maintenance you need silicon readily available for use in essential collagen production. Common conditions such as osteoporosis occur in part due to silicon deficiency.

Ageing

Chronic degenerative disorders such as atherosclerosis, osteoporosis and even decreased mental function are linked to observable decreases in silica concentrations. Silica has therapeutic benefits in the prevention of these conditions and other effects associated with ageing.

How To Get More Silica in Your Diet

There are a number of good sources of silica and they include beans, bananas, surprisingly, beer!

Other important foods include a variety of fruit and vegetables fresh fish, grains and nuts.

The herb known as horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a good natural source of silica, readily absorbed by your body.

Summary

Silica seems to be the wonder mineral that gives and gives. From industrial and electrical uses to use as a food additive to health supplementation, the uses and benefits of silicon (silica) are far ranging and diverse.

For healthier hair, skin and bones, it would seem a regular supply of silica is essential. By eating a balanced and natural diet in addition to occasional nutritional supplementation, you will be well placed to maximise the benefits of this mineral.

Rate this article

No Comments

Leave a Comment