The life enhancing ability of silver has been obvious to me for a long time. After all, who would not prefer a drawing room lit by Georgian candlesticks?

But the health benefits of silver? These were less well known to me. However, according to a recent advertising campaign by Nivea whose variant of ‘Silver Protect’ deodorants suggest otherwise.

Silver has strong anti-bacterial qualities which can protect the user against infection. This characteristic was noticed (if not fully understood) by our ancestors in antiquity who stored essentials such as wine, water and vinegar in silver jars.

More recently, Australian settlers in the outback apparently suspended antique silver forks in water to preserve and sterilise it.  Obviously, silver has always been used for display and to demonstrate wealth but maybe its use to preserve health came first but could only be exploited by the wealthy? Sort of chicken and egg scenario: i.e. those that ate with silver cutlery not only had a better chance of survival but time to make more money and acquire greater power.

It’s a lesson worth heading in these recessionary times. It may be an old wives’ tale but I think Nivea may be on to something…. What do you think?