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Supplementation after the age of 40, in the opinion of health-experts, is essential for healthy aging and more youthful glowing skin. And I´m so with them. No matter how healthy and balanced our diet is, as we age it is impossible to satisfy all of our body's needs through food alone.
Mineral called SILICA, that´s a pretty intriguing ingredient as far as skincare goes, is the one to consider to intake regularly as supplement, especially starting after 40 and beyond; + it's aimed at those with sensitive skin—such a growing and relevant concern nowadays. However, there´s so much more what to love about this frequently called "beauty mineral"...
I discovered Silica a few years ago, in an anti-aging course I attended at that time to rejuvenate my body. Silica was one of the mandatory supplements there, and the more I learned about this mineral, the more I wondered why I had never heard of it before, since it is such an important mineral not only for beauty, but also for health. Continue reading to find out more...
SILICA (SILICONe)
Silica, naturally occurring mineral that in supplements mostly comes from horsetail plant or bamboo, is not only good for the skin, but as well for arteries, bones and overall wellbeing.
A 2016 study by Sao Paulo University, Brazil reported that silica helps form the building blocks of collagen, an important protein found in your skin, blood, cartilage, muscles and ligaments.
"Beauty Mineral" - is extremely important for the quality of the skin !!! It is suggested that Silica is important for optimal synthesis of collagen and for activating the hydroxylation enzymes, important in the formation of collagen network, improving skin strength and elasticity. Silica is also associated with the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (molecules found throughout the body, including skin, joints, blood plasma, and the mucous membrane of various organs). Silica sits inside collagen, acting as glue, providing strength, flexibility, and resilience to connective tissues. It has such a tremendous impact on skin regeneration—silica is strongly linked with healthy youthful skin. This wonder mineral also works to keep other minerals in balance, such as calcium and magnesium, which plays an important role in keeping our hormones balanced, too. Silica is very good at creating bonds between protein molecules and it helps skin retain water. Crucial for cell repair and renewal. Silica provides that strength, flexibility, and resilience for connective tissues, making it imperative for the healthy teeth. Remember, Collagen is one of the most abundant protein in your body. And Silica is collagen's hype girl. While collagen provides the framework for our bones, silica strengthens these bonds and makes them more mobile. Silica is required for both building and then absorbing collagen, helping to glue collagen together.
Works as an anti-inflammatory: Silica is a natural anti-inflammatory that may help relieve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. And is definitely anti-aging: While it will take time to notice a difference—anywhere up to 12 weeks— numerous impressive benefits you should notice right away, including a brighter complexion and youthful glow, firmer skin with more elasticity (or "bounce") as well as generally more hydrated skin. It also helps to reduce facial pores, blemishes, and wrinkles.
It helps as well the red blood cells carry 20 percent more oxygen! And because of that, the skin stays more hydrated as well. Skin starts glowing and issues like acne, eczema, or psoriasis begin to disappear.
Concerning the hair, it is suggested that strands with higher silicon content tend to have lower falling rate and higher brightness. Nails are also affected by the presence of Silica, since this element is one of the predominant mineral in their composition. The presence of soft and brittle nails can indicate systemic deficiency of Silica. By the way, we should take in mind that by improving the quality of nails, there is an increased protection against nail infections.
6 MORE ABOUT SILICA:
1. For those science buffs. A recent study showed that silica helped women’s with sun damaged skin. After they took 10 milligrams of silica daily, their skins rough texture was improved. There’s data behind silica.
2. Silicio has the ability to "stick" with pathogenic microflora (fungi, bacteria, viruses and remove them from the body !!!), and this does not apply to beneficial microorganisms.
3. Plays an important role (!!!) in calcium absorption.
4. And it also does a good job of helping to absorb magnesium (Mg), chlorine (C1), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), ceps (S), fluorine (F), zinc (mn), cobalt ( So), manganese (Mn), chromium (Sr) and other of the 81 elements we need ... 74 are digested with silicon!
5. Silica is the third most abundant trace element in the human body after iron and zinc
6. Silica gives you a glow because it is a strong carrier of oxygen, and it increases the transport of both nutrients and oxygen to the skin
IN FOOD:
A large amount of silicon is found in unpolished rice, nuts, bell pepper, oats and prose, in wheat bran and bread made from coarse flour, in silicon corn, spinach, onions, celery, carrots, cucumbers, white cabbage and even strawberries.
Keep in mind that while silica is an important mineral, you also need magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and many more.
Meat food prevents the intake of silicon in the body, despite being the source of this (raw) micronutrient.
So, it's good to know; fruits and vegetables that contain vegetable fiber improve silicon absorption, but animal protein stops! Also, all refined foods do not contribute to the increase in silicon serum.
If you decide to take this wonderful mineral, you have to do it 3 to 4 hours before a meal with meat or refined food .... only then will silicon be able to do good things that "he" can!
HOW TO TAKE:
Health experts recommend to consume Silica Dioxide from 100 to 600mg per day ... It is friendly with Magnesium and vitamin B5 (can be taken together with silica during the fasting hours (for those on Intermittent Fasting) with a large glass of water).
SIDE EFFECTS:
Silica supplements can be derived from bamboo or the horsetail plant. Horsetail may not be for everyone, and it may have contraindications in diabetes and pregnancy. Now Silicon dioxide, on the other hand, is generally safe. When in doubt, it is better to consult your holistic healthcare provider before starting any supplement regime. Silica is contraindicated in people with kidney or heart disease or fluid retention.
WHERE TO BUY:
I buy Silica at iHerb.com, there are always discounts and promotions, and this is the place where we can find a huge variety of the best brands in the world! If you decide to buy on iHerb, feel free to save with discount code AQW5924.
GREAT OPTIONS FOR SILICA SUPPLEMENTS:
(both options are vegan, no-GMO, gluten-free)
World Organic Silica 500
Special formulation combines the whole herb with all natural flavones found in spring horsetail, plus an extra high potency extract to provide a balanced source of plant-based silica. For adults, take one (1) to three (3) tablets daily, preferably with meals, or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Available on iHerb: € 23.50 / 200 tablets
KAL, Silica Plus 600mg
Silica Plus™ contains 20 mg of Hydrophilic Colloidal Silica, plus 37.8 mg of Horsetail Silica, providing Maximum Absorption! For Hair, Skin and Nails. ActivTab™ technology guarantees tablet disintegration within 30 minutes, in accordance with USP standards.
Available on iHerb: €13.64 / 90 tablets
the Takeaway
Overall, Silica is a very important mineral for skins youth, that stimulates good overall health and improves bodily functions. It´s my favorite mineral actually! And I take 500 - 600 mg daily in 3 months courses 3 times per year. So practically all the time. If you are not on this mineral, you definitely should. Strive to consume your daily dose of silica through effective supplements + healthy food choices to benefit from Silica on everything mentioned in this post above. And make sure you combine this mineral with other nutrients and vitamins.
Are all silica benefits enough to convince you to start taking silica supplements? Share your ideas with in the comment section below!
//I am healthy anti-aging enthusiast, not a nutritionist nor dermatologist. Therefore, you might want to clarify some things with a specialist first, especially if you have a specific health or skin problem.
