Contents
What is boron and how does it work?
Boron is a trace element necessary for the body, and its compounds play a large role in most stages of the cell cancer process in the body. Boron deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, arthritis and osteoarthritis. Its insufficient supply may lead to hormonal disorders, memory loss, or an increase in the likelihood of developing cancer.
The role of boron in the body
- It takes part in the formation of morphological changes, which is related to the inhibition of the process of multiplication of cancer cells.
- It regulates the hormonal balance by increasing the concentration of steroid hormones in the blood plasma. It lowers the risk of prostate and lung cancer due to the increased concentration of estradiol – the sex hormone.
- Boron compounds inhibit the transport of cancer cells and their metastasis by preventing the formation of new branches of blood vessels that supply the cancerous tissues with oxygen and nutrients.
- Boric acid reduces the ability of cells to move, which reduces the level of their invasiveness, and thus the ability to penetrate and spread throughout the body.
- Boron affects the bone and mineral balance of the body through cooperation with calcium and vitamin D in the regulation of metabolism and the development of bone tissue.
- It has disinfecting, antibacterial and antiviral properties, thanks to which it strengthens the body’s immune system.
The need for boron
There are no established daily allowances (RDAs) for boron, however, it is assumed that the average adult human requirement is several milligrams per day. A properly balanced menu provides about 2-6 mg of boron daily. On the other hand, recommendations regarding its maximum level of consumption (UL) have been established – a value that does not cause harmful effects in healthy people. In adult women and men, its maximum allowable intake is estimated at 20 mg / day. Considering the trace amounts of this element, its excessive supply is an extremely rare phenomenon, and it manifests itself mainly in the weakening of the body, hair loss, abdominal pain and headache.
Sources of boron in food:
- fruit (prunes and apricots, avocados, grapes, apples, cherries, dates)
- vegetables (broccoli, green beans, potatoes, celery, carrots)
- nuts (hazelnuts, Brazil, walnuts, cashews)
- raisins
- almonds
- honey
- wheat bran
The highest content of boron is found in unprocessed products. The bioavailability of this element can be increased by proper preparation of meals. It is important to avoid combining foods rich in boron with phytic acid sources, i.e. cereal products (bread, groats) when preparing dishes. You should also take care of proper thermal treatment. Traditional cooking contributes to the evaporation of boron from the pot and its loss when draining the vegetables, therefore steaming is the recommended culinary technique.
How can preventive health care be increased?
Highly developed countries are characterized by a high incidence of various diseases, which is a driving force to increase the emphasis on more effective treatment methods, but also on nutritional prophylaxis. Neoplastic diseases immediately after cardiovascular disorders are the most common cause of death in Poland. According to statistics, for every 100 people there are 000 cases and 222 deaths from malignant neoplasms. The most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasms in women are breast, lung, colon, endometrial and ovarian cancers. In men, however, frequent occurrence of malignant tumors of the lungs, prostate gland, stomach and large intestine.
Prophylaxis defines all actions aimed at reducing the risk of developing a given disease. It includes both the elimination of risk elements that can be removed and protection against harmful factors. Over many years, preventive actions are implemented through:
- changing your lifestyle, including bad eating habits,
- increasing physical activity,
- pharmacological support.
In the prevention of cancer, you should primarily consume products with a strong chemopreventive effect. In the daily diet, in addition to boron, there should be ingredients such as: dietary fiber, probiotics and prebiotics, curcumin, folic acid, βcarotene, vitamins A, D, E, genistein, anthocyanins, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds and bioelements (calcium, selenium) .
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