With so much buzz in the wellness community about collagen and it’s skin benefits, I thought it only appropriate to bring to light the importance of the essential beauty compound, silica. When I hear the word silica, I think of those little inedible packets labeled “DO NOT EAT” at the bottom of a shoebox or crammed into my vitamin bottle to keep them fresh and dry. Turns out, silica is non-toxic if consumed. Surprise, surprise! It’s advised not to ingest the packets, simply because of the possible choking hazard of the package itself. Though I don’t suggest tearing one of these suckers open & adding it to your morning smoothie, it’s important to know the role silica plays in our diet & which foods you can incorporate into your meals to make sure your body is receiving enough of this beneficial compound.
Why do our bodies need it?
- Helps strengthen connective muscle tissue; making it important for heart health & digestive issues.
- Plays a crucial role in healthy collagen production, skin elasticity & strong nails. Also aids in speeding up the healing process of burns & scar tissue.
- Helps ease joint & arthritis pain, and is vital to bone health, healthy teeth & gums. Aids the body’s use of calcium.
- Helps in the detoxification of waste, toxins & heavy metals. (e.g. helps cleanse your cells!)
- Stabilizes the pancreas’s release of insulin.
What happens if your diet is deficient in Silica?
Data suggests that a deficiency in silica effects joints, cartilage, collagen production & causes mineral imbalances. Our bodies need about 10 to 25mg of silica daily to prevent a deficiency.
Which foods & supplements contain Silica?
- Foods that are rich in fiber have the highest amount of silica. Cucumbers, celery, asparagus, oats, millet, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, beans, leeks, artichokes, dandelion & strawberries are a great place to start. Tip: Leave the skin on your veggies for optimal silica consumption!
- Rose hips, nettle leaf, horsetail & activated barley are great sources of silica.
- You can replenish your body’s silica by adding trace mineral drops like Somaplex Multi to a glass of water or by adding Megahydrate to your supplement routine.
With so many plant-based sources rich in silica, it’s easy to incorporate any number of them into your diet. Whipping up a morning smoothie loaded with leafy greens, like our Green Dream, or our ultra-comforting Carrot Ginger Soup are quick & nourishing. What are some of your favorite recipes to sneak in some silica-rich fruits & veggies? We would love for you to share!