Health Benefits of Humic Acid
Health Benefits of Humic Acid
While it may look like nothing more than a dark pile of soil to the untrained eye, it is one of the most beneficial nutritional supplements available. This long-term geological transformation of plant matter into nutrients is actually more accurately described as humification or the creation of humus. Humus is a classification of extremely fertile soil, so fertile in fact that it is often mined and sold in garden centers as a soil supplement.
But how do we benefit from the humus content of the soil, besides more nutritious fruit and vegetables? Humic acid is now being used as a nutritional supplement and has been found to have wide-ranging health benefits for the mind and body.
What is Humic Acid?
Humic acid, despite the name, is not really an acid. It can be alkaline, with some brands of supplements registering a pH of 10. It is one of the primary components of humus, peat and even some mountain streams and water sources. Although humic acid is not water soluble, an important subcomponent of it is fulvic acid. Together, they incorporate a potent collection of acids and trace minerals which are important for bodily functions.
Like humus, both humic and fulvic acids are not just valuable for the external environment, they are also extremely important for internal human health. There are far more health benefits than the ones listed here, but this short powerful summary should hopefully inspire you to source humic and fulvic acids for incorporation into your supplements. Always source the highest quality available, and specifically humic acid that has been especially extracted for human consumption.
Anti-Viral
According to a 2002 review of humic acid research, titled Effects of Humic Acid on Animals and Humans, humic acid seems to inhibit the reproduction of common viruses. In particular, it also targets rhinoviruses which is responsible for the common cold. It prevents the proliferation of herpes simplex 1 and 2, and influenza. Through ongoing research studies, humic acid, prevents certain viruses from replicating themselves.
Detoxification Properties
Chelating refers to removing a substance from the bloodstream by way of a chemical compound. Fulvic acid chelates healthy trace minerals and converts them into water-soluble molecules that are better absorbed. It also chelates toxic heavy metals that have accumulated in the body allowing them to be flushed from the body. With enough fulvic acid the body can safely remove harsh toxins, while also increase absorption of important minerals.
Anti-Microbial Properties
In one study which introduced humic acid to bovine milk, the researchers expected the mixture to show a dramatic increase in harmful microbial activity. Typically, an increase in the flora in milk is an indicator of oncoming infection of the area, called mastitis. However, when tested after being infected with humic acid, the cow milk showed the exact opposite reaction. There have been further studies which used humic acid supplements to treat both cows and goats with mastitis. Over time, it seems to easily reduce or entirely eliminate the painful symptoms.
Electrolytes
An all-natural electrolyte, fulvic acid can rejuvenate and replenish formerly failing cells. It helps return cells to their natural and healthy electrical charge. This is thought to reduce inflammation throughout the body, while at the same time targeting free radical proliferation.
