An old, but new age superfood - Fossil Shell Flour

Author: Adam Fitzhenry   Date Posted:25 January 2019 

With broccoli coffee and high-protein ice cream it’s not difficult to imagine that the fossilised remains of aquatic organisms could contribute to good gut health. But unlike other fads that have come and gone, this one has been around for millennia, literally.  

Pronounced ‘dia-tom-ay-shus’ Diatomaceous Earth or Fossil Shell Flour is a healthy dust that looks more like talcum powder than fossils. While this simple and natural treasure has been around for many years, its health benefits have only recently been re-discovered.

What is Fossil Shell Flour or Diatomaceous Earth?

You might be surprised to know that Diatomaceous Earth is not actually earth at all, but the fossilized remains of microscopic, aquatic organisms known as diatoms. In fact, diatomaceous simply means, full of diatoms. Diatoms have been around for millions of years and are a major group of micro-organisms found in oceans and waterways all around the world.

The diatoms found in DE are skeletons or fossilized remains that are mostly made of silica, an essential mineral if you want strong bones and healthy skin and hair.

Are Fossil Shell Flour and Diatomaceous Earth the same?

It’s been around long enough to go by various names including Dinosaur Dust, Miracle Mineral, Skeleton Powder and for short, DE. Although similar, Diatomaceous Earth packaged under the Fossil Shell Flour® label is sourced from an extremely pure fresh water deposit.   

So yes, while they are basically the same thing, purchasing from the Fossil Shell Flour® label ensures you’ll be receiving the purest form of Diatomaceous Earth.

Where does Diatomaceous Earth come from?

Diatomaceous Earth has been mined for decades from various deposits all around the world and not all Diatomaceous Earth is the same.

Our Fossil Shell Flour comes from Perma-Guard, the original and largest suppliers of fresh water, food grade Diatomaceous Earth.

Out of 600 deposits in the United States, only four are considered ‘Food Grade’ by FDA standards. And yes, you guessed it, Perma-Guard sources their DE from one of these four, making it very pure.

Other Diatomaceous Earth deposits, including Australian ones, will often contain high percentages of clay and/or sediment. This can lead to a residue being left in the body and the DE providing less effective health benefits.

Quality Diatomaceous Earth products will be almost white or slightly grey in colour. You should avoid any powders displaying a dark, tan or reddish tint, as this tends to indicate there is sediment or clay present.  

Currently, Plant Doctor is the only and exclusive Australian importer of Perma-Guard’s Fossil Shell Flour®.

How does Diatomaceous Earth work?

In its food grade form, DE comes in a fine, white powder that’s easily absorbed and digested. According to research, DE has the ability to help control and reduce parasites. It works by interacting with special oils and fats found in insects and other harmful organisms, causing the organism to dry up and expire.  

With its high silica content, DE has a very positive effect on maintaining healthy bones, skin and hair. Silica helps the body carry and store minerals such as calcium in joints, organs and other soft tissues.

Additionally, the unique structure of the diatom allows DE to gently exfoliate the gut, cleaning the intestine walls and removing any mucus and parasites while increasing the body’s ability to effectively absorb more nutrients from the foods we eat.  

What are the benefits of Diatomaceous Earth?

The health benefits of Food grade Diatomaceous Earth are still being discovered and explored, but it has been known to help with the following:

• Helps improve digestion and more regular bowel movements
• Improved detoxification and may help remove heavy metals
• Cleanses intestinal walls and digestive tract
• Helps reduce parasites and bugs
• Increases mineral absorption
• Reduces gas and bloating
• Promotes healthier-looking skin, hair and nails
• Helps improve energy levels

Plant Doctor is the exclusive Australian importer of Fossil Shell Flour®. With both powder and capsule options available, let your new health regime begin!

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