Health Benefits Of Boron

Boron is a biological trace mineral that has been studied for its many health benefits if consumed in the daily diet. Health conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can be managed with medications prescribed by a doctor but more importantly with a diet that includes boron.

Recommended levels #

The World Health Organization estimates that an acceptable safe range of boron intakes for adults is 1–13 mg/day

Food rich in boron #

Some of the best boron-rich foods include the following

• Fruits like apples, oranges, red grapes, pears, plums, kiwis, sultanas, dates, raisins

• Vegetables like avocado, onion, tomato, potato

• Soybeans

• Nuts and nut butter

• Lentils, chickpeas, red kidney beans, borlotti beans, soybeans

• Raisins

• Olive oil

• Wine and beer

Benefits of boron #

Relieves Menstrual Pain #

Boron may help reduce the severity of menstrual pain. In some individuals, oral consumption of boron was found to reduce these symptoms if the supplement is taken each day of the menstrual cycle.

Aids in Wound Healing #

Boron can also help in speeding up the healing process. It facilitates the enzyme activity required for wound healing and repair.

Can Help Prevent Arthritis #

• Boron is a successful treatment option for arthritis and in more than 95% of cases, significant improvement was noticed as it effectively increased calcium integration into the cartilage and bones.

• With increasing age, the bones might become weak and porous, and it can stem this deterioration by ensuring that calcium levels are maximized and used effectively.

• Some animal and human studies support the anti-inflammatory effects of boron on arthritis.

• Early research also suggests that it may help reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Boosts Bone Health #

• A 2006 animal study suggests that boron supplementation may help provide relief against osteoporosis. Another study supports its beneficial effect on bone health.

• However, more scientific studies are required to support the benefit of boron for healthy bones.

• The bone-building capacities of boron are often ignored in favor of calcium. However, it actually works in unison with calcium to strengthen the bones.

• It may aid in minimizing the risks of osteoporosis and arthritis.

• It may further support the metabolism of minerals that are involved in bone development such as calcium, magnesium, and copper.

• Also, it affects various hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, which are also related to the overall health of the bones.

Absorption of Magnesium #

Research suggests that boron helps promote the absorption of magnesium. It further helps improve the magnesium deposition on the bones. This also helps in ensuring healthy bones.

Sex Hormone Balance #

It increases the level of natural sex hormones in the body, thereby reducing the need for hormone replacement therapy or other pharmaceutical solutions.

Prevents Post-menopausal Osteoporosis #

Boron can ease symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats that are typically associated with menopause.

It helps to ensure that the mineral level remains at appropriate levels since post-menopausal women often suffer from hormonal imbalances that can skew many of the body’s important systems.

Anticancer Potential #

• Intake of foods rich in boron may help protect against cancer such as lung cancer.

• According to a 2004 study boric acid has been found to be effective against prostate cancer cell proliferation in humans.

• More studies are required to support the anticarcinogenic effects of boron.

• Boric acid may help provide relief against side effects of various chemotherapeutic agents.

Proper Cell Membrane Function #

It plays an important role in maintaining cellular and organ membrane functions and in stabilizing the hormone receptors so the bodily processes go smoothly.

Enhances Testosterone Levels #

• Boron helps in enhancing the testosterone level in males, this quality is increasingly taken advantage of by male bodybuilders and athletes.

• Although some weightlifters prefer to take its supplements to enhance their testosterone levels, there has been no concrete evidence or explanation of the mechanism by which it helps to make them any more successful.

Symptoms of boron deficiency #

Although all of the deficiency symptoms of boron are not fully understood, it is predicted that this deficiency might result in the following

• Abnormal metabolism of calcium and magnesium

• Hyperthyroidism

• Sex hormone imbalance

• Osteoporosis and arthritis

• Neural malfunction.