There are some minerals that we only need in very small quantities. These minerals are known as trace elements because only a trace amount of them are used in the body. Typically when we hear about nutrition and balanced diet we hear more about bulk mi

Boron is a little discussed mineral. It is one of a group of minerals called trace minerals. They\’re named this because our bodies actually need very small quantities of these minerals as opposed to bulk minerals like calcium that actually form structures in our body. In fact, boron wasn\’t even considered an essential mineral. It wasn\’t until 1985 that scientists recognized that boron was in fact necessary for the body. Before that, it was believed that we could do without boron with no ill effects.

Our bones use calcium and magnesium to make them strong and resistant to breakage. Boron helps our body absorb these minerals and get them to where they\’re needed. Additionally boron increase the use of calcium and magnesium in the body, making them more efficient.

It is this function that has gained boron some attention in treating arthritis and osteoporosis. Calcium is an important element of the cartilage and join material. In arthritis, the cartilage deteriorates and painful inflammation sets in. By enhancing the utilization of calcium, Boron has often been shown to help with slowing the progression of arthritis. It has also been effective in increasing bone density in osteoporosis.

Steroids receive a lot of negative publicity because they\’re so often abused. Steroids are a group of natural chemicals that control processes in our bodies. The sex hormones testosterone and estrogen are natural steroids. Boron is used to manufacture many of these steroids in the body. It seems to increase the production of the sex hormones. Bodybuilders often use a boron supplement because the boost in testosterone allows them to more easily add muscle mass. For women, boron can change the amount of estrogen. This makes it a possible alternative to hormone replace therapy, which has numerous side effects, for menopausal women.

Boron also boosts brainpower. It appears to improve memory. This might be due to its ability to make magnesium more available. A recent study showed that magnesium improves memory in animals. Since many American adults have a magnesium deficiency, boron may help by making the magnesium more readily available. This study also noted that regular magnesium supplements often do not reach the brain because of poor absorptions. Liquid supplements help minerals pass through our digestive tract to where they\’re needed. Combined with a liquid magnesium supplement, boron may help stop memory loss due to aging.

One reason that trace minerals are present in small quantities is that many of them are toxic in larger quantities. This also applies to boron. Consult your doctor before taking boron supplements and always follow the dose guidelines that provided with your boron supplement. Use a liquid boron supplement to maximize the amount of the mineral that gets through your digestive tract. If you\’re concerned about osteoporosis and taking a calcium and magnesium combination, try giving it an extra kick by also taking a boron supplement. Science is just catching up in its understanding of the importance of trace minerals but it is now clear that boron is a key mineral for keeping our body in top shape.

To learn more about the power of boron supplements, as well as other essential minerals, visit us online and download your FREE audio Minerals: What your body needs and why. Neil Butterfield is the owner and founder of Mineralife and is also their mineral supplement expert, Mineralife is known nationwide for its quality mineral supplements.