July 15, 2021
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), also known as silica, is a natural compound made of two of the earth’s most abundant materials: silicon (Si) and oxygen (O2). Silica is a natural compound found all around us in nature. It makes up over a quarter of the planet’s crust and is found in most rocks, clays, and sands.
Silicon dioxide exists in the form of quartz. It’s found naturally in water, plants, animals, and the earth. The earth’s crust is 59 percent silica. It makes up more than 95 percent of known rocks on the planet. When you sit on a beach, it’s silicon dioxide in the form of sand that gets between your toes.
It’s even found naturally in the tissues of the human body. Though the role it plays is unclear, it’s thought to be an essential nutrient our bodies need.
In short, it’s everywhere – how exactly can it help your health?
Although it’s now known to be a trace element, silica has historically been considered more harmful than helpful to our health. For example, it’s known that when inhaled in its crystalline form, silica can cause lung disease.
There is a lot of evidence that its water-soluble form, which is found in certain plants, rocks, and many other forms is highly beneficial to health.
More research is needed to understand silica’s role in our body, but it’s thought to support bone formation and maintenance.
Although calcium and vitamin D get most of the attention for bone health, the International Journal of Endocrinology reported that it increases bone mineral density and strength. The researchers think it is needed to trigger the deposit of bone crystals, a procedure known as bone mineralization.
Sao Paulo University in Brazil reported that silica helps form the building blocks of collagen, a protein in your skin, blood, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments.
Collagen is needed to keep skin springy and elastic and provide crucial protection and structure to your organs and joints. In one study of women with sun-damaged skin, those who took 10mg of silica daily for 20 weeks had decreased skin roughness and wrinkles.
Silica may help protect your heart health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, while lowering cholesterol, according to a 2018 report by the University of Memphis. The mineral can also support the immune response and help to control inflammation in the body.
The upper safe limit has been reported as 700–1,750 mg a day. As silica is water-soluble, the excess is simply passed out by the body in your urine, meaning it’s unlikely to cause side effects if you take too much.
Silica is considered safe for healthy people. However, before you take silica, always check with your doctor if you have a long-term condition or are on any medication.
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