Silica is a compound that is found in nature and has many industrial and health applications. Here are some of the uses and benefits of silica:
Uses:
- As an anti-caking agent in food products and supplements to keep ingredients from clumping up or sticking together
- In concrete and other industrial applications
- As a means to clarify beverages, control viscosity, and as an anti-foaming agent
- As an excipient in drugs and vitamins
- In skincare products to help form the building blocks of collagen, an important protein found in skin, blood, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments
Benefits:
- Essential for health, as deficiency can lead to deformities in bones and joints, reduced contents of cartilage and collagen, and disruption of mineral balance in bones
- Helps to manage the flow of calcium in and out of bones and is therefore essential for bone health
- May help protect heart health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, lowering cholesterol, and supporting the immune response
- May help prevent memory loss and a loss of concentration
- Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, helping to calm and soothe irritated skin
- Can speed up the healing process of burns, wounds, and scar tissue
- Helps to flush out toxins from the body, making it a good addition to any detox program
Its important to note that inhaling small particles of crystalline silica can increase the risk of developing serious silica-related diseases, such as silicosis and lung cancer. Therefore, its important to follow safety guidelines when working with silica in industrial settings.