What is boron?
Boron is a trace element present in our food. It was in 1808 that this chemical element was discovered in the laboratory. Three chemists, two French and one English, isolate this substance and thus allow its use and its classification in the periodic table.
Its virtues have earned it use as a pesticide for agriculture and then for food preservation. It also promotes plant growth Since 1950, scientists have been studying its virtues on human health. This trace element has thus been the subject of scientific studies which demonstrate its effectiveness on arthritis problems. But that’s not its only potential application. Discover the benefits of boron.
What are the benefits of boron?
The benefits of boron are still mysterious, as science has not discovered the full extent of its capabilities. Namely that boron is not an essential trace element. Nevertheless, some studies have identified positive effects for curing humans.
Ingestion of a higher than normal amount of boron reduces the sensation of pain associated withosteoarthritis and it is also recommended in the pathologies that favor it: drop and the rheumatoid arthritis among others.
Boron would also have a positive effect in the fight againstosteoporosis especially in postmenopausal women. Boron would allow a better absorption of calcium.
Many studies are still currently in progress, in particular to identify the positive effects of boron to prevent cancer.
What foods contain boron?
Boron is a trace element found naturally in many plants and vegetables.
- Celery, leek, cabbage, lettuce, attorney contain boron in quantity.
- This is also the case with certain fruits such as grapethere plum where the nut (and especially peanuts).
- Some seeds, whole grains and legumes are also high in boron such as Chickpeas.
- Good news for wine lovers, the famous alcohol also contains boron.
To have a correct boron intake and avoid deficiencies, it is necessary to ingest more than 1.59 mg of boron per day. For boron supplementation, it is necessary to increase the dose to 2.5 mg per day for several weeks.
What are the contraindications of boron, are there any risks?
Boron can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It is therefore essential to do not exceed 20 mg per day.
In the case of a massive ingestion greater than 1 gram per day, the side effects are worn on the digestive system, but also on the skin since this can cause skin irritation and also cause hair loss.
In any case, boron is a trace element to be consumed with caution in order to derive the most possible benefits. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor..
Source :
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Institute of Medicine, 2001, The National Academies Press.
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