A Little Nutrient that Makes a Big Impact on Health

The latest health headlines claim what common sense already knows, that a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing most illnesses. So you exercise, eat right and don't smoke, but how's your boron intake? That's right -- the overlooked micronutrient that most Americans are severely lacking in their diet.

Boron deficiency has been linked to low bone density, increased rate of osteoarthritis, decreased magnesium and calcium retention, increased risk of prostate cancer, poor memory and decreased mental alertness.

Boron is found in the soil of dry, desert-type areas so drinking water in those regions usually contain a good amount. Most multivitamin supplements usually don't contain this particular trace mineral so your best bet is eating the right foods. Great sources for boron are apples, pears, grapes, non-citrus fruit, legumes, nuts, wine and green leafy vegetables.

There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for boron. Too much can be toxic. However, if you eat four servings of fruit and green leafy vegetables a day along with a handful of nuts, your daily boron intake can safely be around 3 to 6 mg. But aim for at least 2 to 3 mg per day in order to give your body the little bit needed to help stave off the unwanted health woes you've been avoiding.