Where to get silicon for the body?

Silicon is necessary for human health, helps in the fight against infections and in preserving youth. It enters the body with food and mineral water. We tell you what products contain it and what dishes you can prepare.

What is silicon

Silicon belongs to microelements – substances that are found in the human body in minute quantities. Despite this, the mineral is present in all cells, especially in the aorta, trachea, bones, hair, nails and skin. Interesting fact Among chemical substances in nature, silicon ranks second after oxygen: it makes up 30% of the earth’s crust, and it is found in large quantities in sand, quartz, feldspar, plants and water. The useful element is involved in the production of collagen, necessary for strengthening bones and ligaments, for the good condition of skin, hair and nails. It helps the body absorb aluminum, magnesium and copper found in foods. The daily intake for adults is 30 milligrams; it has not been established for children. It is included in dietary supplements and drinking water, but the most common source of the mineral is legumes and grain products, fruits and herbs.

Green bean

100 grams contain 23% of the daily requirement of silicon. Contains a large amount of fiber, iron, vitamins C and B, antioxidants and substances from which serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are synthesized. For storage, green beans are frozen, then all year round they can be stewed, boiled, fried, or baked. Used for first and second courses, vegetable pates, side dishes for meat and fish. If the product is fresh, even more options are available: after blanching, add it to vitamin salads and make pkhali. If you want to preserve green beans for the winter in an unusual way, make pickled ones.

bananas

100 grams contain 15,9% of the daily requirement of silicon. In terms of microelement volume, these tropical fruits are leaders among fruits. Eat bananas fresh, add them to cereals, cottage cheese and yogurt, and use them to make snacks, desserts and purees. If you bought a large bunch of bananas, prepare them for future use: peel them, cut the fruits into rings, dry them or freeze them.

Brown rice

100 grams contain 15% of the daily requirement of silicon. It contains a large amount of magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, B vitamins and fiber. A product of plant origin improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Cook rice in a saucepan or slow cooker, serve as a separate dish or side dish with meat, fish, mushrooms and vegetables. Supplement with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers, tomato, creamy, sweet and sour and spicy sauces.

Leafy greens

100 grams contain 13,7% of the daily requirement of silicon. Leaf and head lettuce, iceberg, arugula, Chinese cabbage, cilantro, dill, and green onions are low in calories and high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Also contain vitamins K, C, E and group B, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein. Introduce raw leafy vegetables and greens into your diet, make salads and cold appetizers with them, serve them as an addition to meat and fish, and use them to decorate food. Before use, soak for an hour in a large container, then rinse under running water for at least five minutes.

crops

100 grams contain 10,9% of the daily requirement of silicon. These products include wheat and spelt, rye, oats, buckwheat, rice, couscous, and corn. They are rich in carbohydrates, fiber, iron, copper, vitamins A, D and B. Whole grain cereals contain the largest amount of nutrients, but processed cereals, corn flakes, durum wheat pasta are also useful. Interesting fact The shape of pasta is not invented for variety and beauty, but to obtain the desired taste of dishes. For example, an oblique cut and a large hole in the feathers are needed so that the sauce flows inside well. Celebrity cook Dan Pashman spent three years designing the perfect pasta shape: a groove on the outside holds the sauce, and wavy “ruffles” attached to the edges of the groove at a 90-degree angle provide elasticity.

Lentil

100 grams contain 5,9% of the daily requirement of silicon. Contains a large amount of protein, iron, potassium, fiber, B vitamins. It has a low glycemic index and does not contain gluten, so the product is suitable for people with diabetes and celiac disease. Buy in hermetically sealed packaging. It is better not to take a large pack: you will have to store it open – the cereal may become damp or there will be bugs in it. When choosing, pay attention to the appearance of the grains: they should be uniform in color, dry, and without damage. If you open the package, pour the contents into a container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a closet.

What can be done?

Prepare at least one dish every day from a product containing silicon: pickled green beans, baked bananas in bacon, brown rice with turkey fillet and vegetables, vitamin salad with leafy greens, Moroccan quinoa, lentil puree. Silicon is an important element in the human body. It belongs to the essential microelements and is part of the group of structural components of the epithelium, bone and soft tissues. Its deficiency can easily be compensated for by silicon in food products. Without it, the body will simply fall apart. It is necessary for nails, skin and hair, and is involved in the transmission of nerve signals.

Silicon: benefits for the body

• helps him absorb micro- and macrominerals;
• improves brain and central nervous system function;
• forms strong compounds with heavy metals, which promotes their rapid removal from the body;
• reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies;
• accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain;
• increases the body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections;
• improves calcium absorption;
• prevents the development of tuberculosis and cancer;
• stabilizes metabolic processes;
• slows the aging of the body;
• prevents the penetration of lipids into the plasma, which reduces the risk of blockage of blood vessels and the development of atherosclerosis;
• reduces flatulence, improves food absorption;
• lowers blood pressure;
• accelerates the production of certain enzymes, important amino acids and hormones;
• necessary for the secretion of collagen and elastin;
• increases the sensitivity of fat cell receptors, due to which excess lipids are removed;
• dilates blood vessels, strengthens veins and arteries;
• prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease;
• necessary to maintain connective tissue in shape;
• enhances the antioxidant effect of vitamins A, C and E;
• relieves constipation by absorbing toxins;
• strengthens hair and prevents hair loss;
• participates in the restoration of skin and nails.

The microelement maintains the balance of phosphorus and calcium in the body, prevents bone destruction and the development of osteoporosis. Products rich in silicon enhance the mineralization of bone tissue, which reduces the risk of fractures and injuries. It is needed for stable digestion. Promotes the formation of new muscle tissue that protects the intestinal walls and restores the mucous membranes.

Flint has an amazing property – it attracts pathogenic microorganisms – fungi (yeast and Candida), viruses, Trichomonas and then quickly removes them from the body. But this does not affect the beneficial microflora – it remains in the intestines in full and does not “stick” to the mineral colloids.

Silicon deficiency: symptoms

Where silicon is found – in the earth’s crust, soil, sand, it forms different materials after combining with other micro- and macroelements and oxygen. It is also found in plant and animal foods. It enters the human body along with food, water and oxygen. It accumulates mainly in the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.

In smaller quantities – in the pituitary gland, lungs, in small concentrations – in muscles, lymphatic fluid and blood. The daily human need for the mineral is 20-30 mg, and the maximum dose is 100 mg. Silicon deficiency can be determined by a number of symptoms:

• The bones are the first to feel the lack of an element, this is indicated by brittle nails, itchy skin, hair loss;
• dry face, peeling, decreased elasticity of the epidermis;
• fractures and injuries become more frequent;
• the vessels become fragile, traces of rosacea and bruises appear on the skin, even a slight blow can provoke a hematoma;
• digestive disorders;
• stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea);
• wounds, injuries and fractures heal poorly;
• nails peel off, grooves appear on them, marks appear under the plates;
• development of dysbacteriosis;
• irritability appears, depression and apathy, and neuroses develop.

Lack of silicon leads to the development of many diseases. Mineral deficiency disrupts metabolism, which negatively affects all organs and systems. With a prolonged lack of silicon, immunity decreases, and diseases develop that are accompanied by purulent processes – sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, abscess. Long-term non-healing fistulas form.

Silicon is very important for the human body, as it is an essential element. It ensures clear and coordinated functioning of all organs associated with the nervous system. With a deficiency of the mineral, the brain begins to work more slowly, reactions are inhibited, and coordination of movement is impaired.

In the vascular walls, silicon is replaced by calcium, and they become stiffer. And if cholesterol settles on them, then plaques form and the prerequisites for the development of ischemia, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, stroke and heart attack appear.

If the concentration of silicon in the body is not urgently restored, mild health problems develop into more serious pathologies:

• diabetes;
• atherosclerosis;
• hepatitis;
• hypertension;
• tuberculosis;
• goiter;
• formation of stones in the urinary and gall bladders, kidneys;
• dysbiosis;
• osteoporosis.

After menopause, a woman’s body loses 30% of collagen. It is not completely restored anyway, and due to a deficiency of silicon, even part of what is lost is not replenished. Therefore, the skin remains flabby, dull, and the number of wrinkles increases.

Causes of silicon shortage

Since silicon is found in many foods, deficiency of the mineral rarely occurs and can be quickly replenished. The reasons for the lack of an element can be various factors – diseases of the digestive system or poor nutrition, poor environment, violation of the drinking regime.

Intense training, heavy physical activity, and in young children and adolescents, active growth of the body can also provoke deficiency. Deficiency occurs due to helminthic infestation, insufficient fiber content in the diet, chronic stress and prolonged nervous strain.

What foods contain silicon?

What foods contain a lot of silicon: the highest concentration is in cereals, the highest in brown rice. But after heat treatment, its amount decreases significantly. Therefore, it is better to choose green beans that cook quickly, any leafy greens, or foods that do not need to be boiled, sautéed or fried.

Flint is found in any fiber and the more fiber there is, the higher the mineral content. Therefore, to compensate for its deficiency, bran, fresh fruits, and vegetables are preferred. In animal food, silicon is found in eggs, milk, caviar, and meat. But the amount of mineral in them is much less than in plant products.

However, there is a plus – protein contributes to the complete absorption of the microelement. You can buy the necessary products in the Ashanti store or order them for delivery on the website.

What products contain silicon – its concentration in 100 g (in mg)

• rice;
• oats in grains;
• millet;
• barley;
• sesame seeds;
• soya beans;
• strawberry berries.

• pineapple, chickpeas, beans, turnips;
• peanuts, lentils;
• green peas, melon;
• broccoli, beets, bananas;
• avocado;
• corn.

• walnuts;
• cabbage;
• fresh cucumbers;
• potatoes, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds;
• fresh and dried figs, cherries;
• radish, raspberries;
• pumpkin and radishes;
• carrot;
• fresh blueberries;
• grapes.

Small amounts of silicon (10 mg or less) are found in tomatoes, peaches, pears, apricots, oranges, flour, plums, bread, and pasta. To make up for the deficiency, it is recommended to choose products from cereal crops.

How to replenish silicon deficiency in the body

When creating a menu, you need to take into account the norm. The maximum permissible daily intake of silicon is 500 mg. When replenishing silicon deficiency with products, it is important to prevent an overdose of the mineral. Otherwise, it can cause shortness of breath, irritability, dry cough and decreased performance.

If the concentration of the mineral is not reduced, this increases the risk of developing emphysema, tuberculosis, fibrosis, bronchitis, and cancer in the abdominal cavity. But an overdose occurs only if the mineral is consumed in such quantities for 3 months or longer.

To replenish and maintain silicon levels, you can use ready-made products – buy pharmaceutical drugs, vitamin supplements. Or use decoctions daily, preparing herbal mixtures to your taste:

• field chamomile;
• medicinal lungwort;
• bird knotweed;
• dandelion leaves;
• juniper;
• wormwood;
• horsetail;
• dog lover;
• coltsfoot;
• thyme;
• nettle;
• tansy.

During heat treatment, silicon is destroyed. Therefore, preference should be given to dishes with fresh vegetables, fruits, berries and nuts. After peeling them, the concentration of the mineral in them drops by 10%, and after industrial processing – up to 50%. Also, the amount of silicon is reduced by a third when it is combined with fast carbohydrates (flour and confectionery products, sweets). And soda completely interferes with the absorption of the mineral.

If there is a deficiency, doctors recommend drinking at least 1,5 liters of water daily. Eat small meals, 4-6 times a day, include buckwheat and rice in the menu. Avoid salty, fried, fatty and smoked foods. You need to give up alcoholic drinks for a while.

To preserve the maximum amount of silicon in products, they are steamed, and pistachios and green peas are eaten fresh. The simplest recipes for dishes made from products containing flint are listed in the table. When creating a menu, you can include the listed salads and smoothies 1-2 times a week.

Mix green onions and dandelion leaves in equal quantities. Finely chop and crush with a masher. Season with vegetable oil sauce and natural cranberry juice. Top with halved boiled eggs.

According to the second recipe, chopped dandelion leaves are mixed with honey and walnuts. The salad is dressed with fresh yogurt. It not only provides normal silicon content, but also has great benefits for women’s health.

Jerusalem artichoke salad with carrots

Mix an equal amount of peeled and grated root vegetables. Add a chopped bunch of greens to them. Lemon or cranberry juice is used to dress the salad. Or prepare a mixture of 1 tsp. sunflower oil, 1 tsp. honey and 2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon.

Banana Spinach Smoothie

Silicon in the body can be replenished with a tasty drink. Even if you drink it daily, it will only bring benefits.

In a blender, blend peeled banana, 100 g spinach leaves, 50 g Brazil nuts and 100 ml water until smooth. If you need a thinner drink, you can add pineapple or strawberry juice. Nuts can be replaced (or included additionally in the recipe) with cashews, pine nuts, and almonds.

All ingredients are taken in equal quantities. Fresh pumpkin and apples are cut into small cubes, and the Jerusalem artichoke tuber is coarsely grated. Finely chop the pickled cucumber and onion. The ingredients are mixed, seasoned with sour cream and salt to taste.

Jerusalem artichoke salad with egg

Boil a hard-boiled chicken egg. Cut it into strips and mix with 50 g of coarsely grated Jerusalem artichoke. Add a chopped bunch of your favorite greens to them. Season with sour cream and salt to taste.

Mix equal amounts of chopped tomatoes, boiled chicken eggs and cucumbers. Coarsely grate the Jerusalem artichoke tuber. Add 2-3 bunches of different types of greens, 2 chopped garlic cloves and a stalk of celery. Season with sour cream and salt to taste.

The healthiest hot dish is oatmeal with pumpkin seeds. To minimize the loss of silicon during cooking, use whole, peeled cereal. A glass of grain is poured into 1 liter of water and boiled over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Then the porridge is flavored with maple syrup or honey, and crushed seeds are added – flaxseed, sesame and pumpkin. To preserve the trace element completely in oatmeal, it is better to simply soak the cereal overnight.

Silicon water

To compensate for the deficiency, a silicon solution is prepared. To do this, throw a piece of pure flint weighing 1-8 g into 10 liter of fresh water. The natural mineral is brown. Then the water is infused in a dark place for 4 days. Afterwards, the liquid must be poured into a glass bottle and drunk within 10 days. It is recommended to drink 100-200 ml daily. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 weeks. Silicon water can also be used to prepare cosmetic compositions and used for lotions.

Silicon is very important for the body. Its deficiency causes destruction of bone tissue, which provokes injuries and fractures, the development of obesity, diabetes and other health problems. But you can compensate for the lack of silicon and maintain the daily norm with the help of products. You don’t have to go on a diet; it’s enough to include them in your daily diet.

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