(NaturalHealth365)  Boron is a trace mineral that naturally occurs in many plant foods.  It is a structural element of plant cell walls and is necessary for seed formation, pollination, and plant growth.

Boron provides many health benefits, yet (unfortunately) it is not listed as an “essential” nutrient.

Boron is a science-backed cancer fighter, according to MULTIPLE studies

Boron has been the focus of several studies that show it to be a powerful cancer-fighting agent.

• Lung Cancer

A study conducted from 1995 through 2005 by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy who increased their boron intake experienced a decreased risk of lung cancer.

• Cervical Cancer

The country of Turkey has been the focus of several studies due to the exceptionally low incidence of cervical cancer.  Scientists attribute this, in part, to the country’s boron-rich soil.

Comparative studies of women living in regions that are boron rich versus women living in areas that are boron poor, the women in areas with increased boron not only had a lowered incidence of cervical cancer, it did not even exist there.  Boron affects the life cycle of the human papillomavirus (HPV).  It is HPV that is a primary factor in 95% of cervical cancer.

• Prostate Cancer

Several studies have identified boron as a key component in reducing the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells.  For example, one study showed that mice infected with prostate cancer tumors experienced up to 38% shrinkage of their tumors when exposed to boron.

It is also linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Boron supports bone health, improves bone density, according to study

Calcium loss is a significant concern for women, especially as they age.  Several studies involving humans and animals have discovered a vital link between bone health and boron.

These studies found that boron benefits bones in several ways:

• Prevents calcium loss
• Alleviates bone problems that are associated with Vitamin D and magnesium deficiency
• Improves and maintains bone density
• Prevents bone demineralization
• Increases bone strength

But wait, that’s not all!  Here are nine more reasons to love boron

While lowering cancer risks and improving bone health is excellent, boron offers other impressive benefits.  Studies have shown that boron:

• Raises levels of glutathione peroxidase, catalyst, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and other antioxidant enzymes
• It may help decrease the unpleasant side effects caused by chemotherapy
• Lower levels or tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and other inflammatory biomarkers
• Aids in the activity and formation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e), and other key biomolecules
• Increase magnesium absorption
• Boost the electrical activity within the brain, which may benefit improved short term memory in elderly patients as well as increased cognitive performance
• Boost the body’s use of vitamin D, testosterone, and estrogen
• Provide protection against heavy metal toxicity and oxidative stress caused by pesticides
• Extremely beneficial in improving wound healing

How to get more boron in your diet?

Boron is found in plants as well as supplements.  Legumes, tubers, fruit, and other plant foods are good mineral sources.  The top ten sources of boron include:

• 1 cup prune juice – 1.43 mg
• ½ cup avocado – 1.07 mg
• 1.5 oz raisins – .95 mg
• 1 medium peach – .80 mg
• 1 cup grape juice 0 .76 mg
• 1 medium apple – .66 mg
• 1 medium pear – .50 mg
• 1 oz roasted and salted peanuts – .48 mg
• ½ cup refried beans – .48 mg
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter – .46 mg

There is still not enough data available for the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) to derive a recommended daily allowance for boron.  Still, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 1 to 13 mg daily as an acceptable safe range of boron intake for adults.

Bottom line: Seek the advice of an experienced integrative healthcare provider or health coach to figure out what’s best for you.

Sources for this article include:

LifeExtension.com
NIH.gov