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Even though there have been researches conducted on silica, it has yet not attained the status of a vital nutrient. Silica abounds in the crust of the earth and is akin to carbon, which abounds in the tissues of plants and animals. The molecules of silica are also present in a variety of tissues of the human body like collagen, nails and other connective tissue. The main function of silica here is to impart stability and strength to these tissues. Silica also helps in fortifying the tendons, cartilage, blood vessels and bones in the human body. Carbon and silica are similar in one aspect; both of them have the ability to form multiple bonds and long molecules, which helps in strengthening the structures. Silica helps in the development of bones by the process of calcification. According to some researches, it also plays an important role in plants and their structures. Since the late twentieth century, a lot of studies based on the effects of silica on human body have revealed that the deficiency of this substance can hamper the development of the bone and proper growth in the human body. Inadequate supply of silica in the body can also cause plaque formation on the arterial walls. Silica can be obtained from a number of plant sources like nettles, comfrey, horsetail, alfalfa, cane pulp and sugar beet. It is also found in abundance in rice, oats and wheat husk. Vegetables like dandelions, onions, strawberries, avocados, cucumbers and lettuce also contain silica. Small quantities of silica are present in alginic acid in kelp and in pectin found in citrus fruits. Though silica is present in large quantities on the earth, yet it is hardly enough to fulfill the nutritional requirements of humans. This is because silicon is lost in the processing of the food. The milled and process flour contains a mere 2% of the silicon present in the husk. A number of herbal remedies use silica as one of the ingredients to fortify nails, skin and hair. It aids in the prevention or delay of ageing since it aids in enhancing the skin elasticity. These days there are a number of studies being conducted to investigate the effect of silica on diseases like ulcers, cartilages issues, arthritis treatment and even atherosclerosis. Silica supplements have also been shown to help slow the process of Alzheimer's Disease. In osteoporosis it has been shown that it can help with the prevention of getting brittle bone, if taken from a young age. Though nothing definite can be said at the moment, but it is widely speculated that regular intake of silica may help in prevention of osteoporosis. Though the researches have not been able to establish RDA for silica, nevertheless, according to most studies a diet rich in silica can help in reducing pain and boosting the immune system
Silica is one of the most abundant minerals in this earth and is not surprising that studies are shown that it is also a vital nutrient in the human body. Silica that comes from a pure natural source such as quartz crystal will be most beneficial to the human body.
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