Monday, February 9, 2009

What is a Zeolite?

A zeolite is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral that has very unique characteristics. There are over 40 varieties in nature that have similar structures, but each with it's own attributes. It should also be noted that there are many synthetic (man made) zeolites as well.

Natural Zeolites

Natural zeolites (i.e., those found in volcanogenic sedimentary rocks) are used for many things such as building stone, as filler in paper, in the take-up of Cs and Sr from nuclear waste and fallout, as soil amendments in agronomy and horticulture, in the removal of ammonia from municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste and drinking waters, as energy exchangers in solar refrigerators, as dietary supplements in animal diets, as consumer deodorizers, in pet litters, in taking up ammonia from animal manures, and as ammonia filters in kidney-dialysis units. Most recently zeolites have been used as a food additive, and as a "nutritional supplement".

Zeolites have been used for many years from Roman times right up until today's recent success in the healing of cuts and wounds, natural zeolites are now considered to be full-fledged mineral commodities, the use of which promise to expand even more in the future.”

(From a paper was presented at National Academy of Sciences colloquium "Geology, Mineralogy, and Human Welfare," held November 8-9, 1998 at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center in Irvine, CA.Colloquium Paper “La roca magica: Uses of natural zeolites in agriculture and industry” Frederick A. Mumpton )

Natural Zeolite Structure

Zeolites are like little honeycomb structured magnets. They are negatively charged and they have small channels that attract smaller molecules. Zeolites are commercially valuable because of their dynamic property of cation exchange capacity (CEC). Cation exchange occurs when two or more positively charged compounds or elements exchange places on a negatively charged host. The most common exchangeable cations found in natural zeolite molecules are sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, many of which are desirable in numerous biological and industrial processes.

Zeolite - As a Nutritional Supplement?

Powdered forms of zeolites have been used for centuries throughout Asia as traditional remedies to promote overall health and well being. Stories have been passed down from generation to generation and many people have experienced positive life changing benefits.

The unique, complex crystalline structure of zeolites and their honeycomb structure of caveties and channels work at the celular level to trap heavy metals and toxins. In fact, because it is one of the few negatively charged minerals in nature, zeolites act as magnets drawing toxins to it, capturing them in its cage and removing them from the body.

Key Benefits

  • Supports a healthy immune system.*
  • Helps remove heavy metals, toxins and other substances from the body.*
  • Helps balance pH levels in the body.*
  • 100 percent natural and non-toxic.*
  • Safe for long-term use.*

When Zeolite is taken orally it doesn’t just remove heavy metals, it also appears to help get rid of herbicides and pesticides, other toxins and seems to have some anti-viral effect.

Zeolite has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status from the FDA.

For more detailed information about Zeolites and for comparisons of products go to The Liquid Zeolite Book.

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