Bone Health and Silicon

Most people know that calcium, vitamin D and exercise are important for strong bones. Few, however, may realize that silicon is also an essential mineral for bone health.

In the article, Silicon and Bone Health, by R. Jugdaohsingh, research is discovering that adequate levels of silicon in the body is needed for healthy bone density, and for bone formation and bone health.

Research also shows that the best way to maintain adequate levels of silicon in the body is through nutritional sources. Long term exposure to high levels of silicon compounds, such as in antacids with magnesium trisilicates, can possibly cause kidney damage.

Food Sources of Silicon

Foods with the highest levels of silicon are whole grains. Grains that have been processed the least are the best, which includes hulled barley, oat bran, brown rice and whole wheat products.

Fruits are also a good source with the best being bananas and pineapples.

Beans, spinach and tofu are also good sources.

Tap and mineral water are good sources of silicon, along with tea and coffee. Better sources, however, are wine and beer.

Silicon in Beer

Silicon in Beer and Brewing by Troy Casey and Charles Bamforth, has determined that the best beers for silicon supply are the pale ales that contain large amounts of barley and hops. Wheat based beers that are brewed with small amounts of hops have the lowest amount of silicon.

Beer can be good for your health if you use it in moderation, according to the Webmd.com article Truth About Beer. Moderate use of beer may reduce the risk of a heart attack by 30%. There is also some evidence that moderate use of beer may also reduce the risk of diabetes, bladder cancer and kidney stones.

Moderation is defined by the medical community as one 12 ounce serving of beer each day for women, and two 12 ounce servings each day for men.

Abuse of alcohol, however, can lead to medical problems, such as an unhealthy buildup of visceral or belly fat and fatty liver disease. So, moderation is the key to the health benefits of beer.

Charles