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