Is Boron a boring trace mineral? What does it
have to do with your health? Isn’t it best known as Borax -- a cleanser and
mineral used in the making of glass?
Boron is a trace mineral found in plants. Plants
take the mineral out of the soil and give it back to us when we eat the fruits
and vegetables. We cannot get our minerals directly from the soil so we are
dependent upon plant life to supply us with the necessary minerals to insure
health.
Boron has recently been shown to be effective in
preventing bone loss and deterioration. In a US Agricultural study boron was
given to post menopausal women, who were at high risk of osteoporosis. The
results of the study suggest that boron works much like estrogen to help
prevent bone loss. But don’t rush out and buy boron supplements. A healthy diet
and a multi- vitamin should give you enough boron. Check with your primary
physician if you are considering supplementing.
There appears to be no shortage of boron in
humans due to only a limited amount of boron is needed and it is highly
available through the fruits and vegetables we eat. Boron is a trace mineral
and not an essential mineral meaning we only need trace amounts for health.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for
boron; meat and fish are poor sources. A diet containing a variety of fruits
and vegetables will supply adequate amounts of boron. One such fruit that is
rich in boron is the pear. Pears contain large amounts of boron and thus pears
help to prevent osteoporosis.
Besides boron, pears are an excellent source of
water-soluble fiber. They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid
and niacin. It is also rich in copper, phosphorus and potassium, with
lesser amounts of calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, sodium and sulfur.
Some varieties have more iron content than
others. This can be seen when a cut pear turns brown. If it doesn't
turn brown, it means that the iron content is very low or non-existent
.
In Greek and Roman mythology the pear was sacred
to Pomona the Roman goddess of gardens
and trees. In Europe it was customary to plant fruits trees when a couple got
married. The longevity and fruitfulness of the trees were thought to
give strength to the marriage and children. As each child arrived, an apple
tree was planted for every boy and a pear tree for each girl.
Somehow, boron doesn’t seem so boring when you
bite into a fresh succulent pear and partake of all the wonderful nutrients
that nature so aptly provides. If we let her; Mother Nature will always take
care of our health.
Doctor Lynn
http://www.doctorlynn.com