Silica Bamboo Extract (Bambusa Vulgaris)
Benefits of Silica
- Hair
- Form: Bamboo Extract
- Food source: Wholegrains such as oats and barley, green beans and bananas.
What is Silica?
Silica is a natural compound that has traditionally been viewed as harmful, and this is true of its crystalline form. In its water-soluble form, however, it's a different story, which is why silicon-rich herbs, such as horsetail, have been used in traditional herbal practice for centuries.
What does the research say about Silica?
Silica is most often associated with hair, skin and nails. It has been studied for its role in the formation of collagen, one of the main structural proteins in our body, which gives skin its springiness. Researchers have looked at silica in relation to the structure of hair and to hair strength and thickness.
Collagen is also a component of bone and of the joints between our bones, and researchers have looked at silicon in relation to bone too.
You may also enjoy reading 'The truth about collagen', 'Best foods for hair loss & thinning', 'Ultimate advice for hair loss, from an expert nutritionist', '5 key nutrients for healthy hair' and 'How hormones affect your hair'. You may be interested in reading 'Why is bone health so important in menopause?'.
Why it's in GastroAid®
Bamboo Extracts are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which neutralise reactive oxygen species (ROS). This reduces oxidative stress, a contributor to mucosal damage in GORD. Studies show that Bamboo Extracts suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 in inflamed tissues,1 potentially calming oesophageal and gastric inflammation often seen in GORD.
Why it's in OsteoFriend®
Silica contributes to collagen synthesis and is involved in the initiation of bone mineralisation. It is particularly important in early-stage bone formation and may improve bone density by enhancing calcium incorporation.2
Biotin
Biotin, which is abundant in legumes, is a B Vitamin that helps the body make use of the energy from food, helping break down carbohydrates into energy.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper is not only a delicious ingredient for cooking, it is studied for a range of health benefits, including hair growth and blood circulation, due to its active ingredient 'capsaicin'.
Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient which our body doesn’t produce, so we need to gain it in our diet. It supports a range of functions from our nervous and immune systems to the healthy colour of our hair.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
Horsetail
Horsetail is a fern that grows wild in Northern Europe and America. It was first used by ancient Greeks as a remedy for improving the appearance of hair due to its high levels of silica.
Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral needed for the production of thyroid hormones, helping maintain the body’s metabolic rate, healthy skin and hair, and is crucial during pregnancy.
L-Glycine
L-Glycine is an amino acid that has a calming and regenerative effect, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing feelings of tiredness during the day.
MSM
MSM is a natural source of sulphur which is needed for strong and flexible hair through its role in the formation of amino acids that provide hair with moisture and strength.
