Zinc is a vital trace element that our body cannot produce or accumulate for a long time. It is therefore necessary to get it regularly with food. This mineral is involved in many body processes and is necessary to maintain optimally. Let’s look at the main benefits of zinc for our body.
Important zinc functions:
Zinc performs many important functions including:
- Strengthening the immune system: Zinc is essential for the development and function of immune cells. It helps the body to combat infections, reduce inflammatory processes and speeds up wound healing.
- Wound healing: Being an important participant in collagen synthesis, immune activity and inflammatory response, zinc is necessary for proper wound healing.
- Protein and DNA Synthesis: Zinc is involved in the production of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which are necessary for cell growth and regeneration.
- Enzymatic reactions: Zinc is a cofactor of more than 300 enzymes involved in various biochemical reactions in the body.
- Growth and Development: Zinc is very important for normal growth and development, especially in childhood, adolescence and time.
- Taste and olfactory sensations: Zinc is essential for an enzyme responsible for the right sense of taste and olfactory. Its deficiency can weaken these sensations.
- Antioxidant effect: Zinc helps protect cells from free radical damage.
Health benefits:
- Cold time reduction: Studies show that zinc supplements started in the first 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms may shorten the duration of the disease.
- Skin health improvement: Zinc can help treat acne, reduce inflammation and regulate fat release in the skin.
- Reduction of age -related diseases: Zinc can reduce oxidative stress and improve the immune response to the elderly, reducing the risk of certain diseases such as pneumonia and yellow spots degeneration.
- Hormonal equilibrium support: Zinc is important for testosterone production for men.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency:
Zinc deficiency can occur with a variety of symptoms:
- Weakened immunity and frequent infections
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss
- Skin problems (rashes, eczema, acne)
- A weakened sense of taste and olfactory
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Growth slowdown for children
- Lack of alertness
- White spots on the nails
Zinc sources in food:
In order to ensure sufficient zinc levels in the body, it is important to include many zinc -containing products in your diet:
- Animal products: Oysters (especially many), red meat (beef, lamb), poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products.
- Vegetable products: Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans), nuts (cashews, almonds), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, hemp), whole grain products, oats, spinach, mushrooms, dark chocolate.
It is important to remember:
Zinc absorption from vegetable sources can slightly reduce phytates in grain and legumes. However, a diverse and balanced diet usually helps meet the body’s needs.
At risk of zinc deficiency or in certain health conditions, your doctor may recommend zinc supplements. Always consult a health care professional before taking any dietary supplements.
Zinc is an extremely important mineral that performs many vital functions. By ensuring a sufficient amount of it in your diet, you can significantly contribute to your health and well -being.
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Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
