Zinc is an important trace mineral that people need to stay healthy. This element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.
Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly.
Benefits of Zinc:
Skin care: Zinc is considered to be an effective home remedy for curing pimples and acne.. Zinc is also required for the production of collagen, a connective tissue that is required for skin repair and re growth.
Eczema: Zinc plays an important role in healing chronic infections and assists the body in restoring its ability to heal properly and completely.
Prostate health: Zinc is very important in dealing with prostate disorders. Zinc deficiency causes enlargement of the prostate gland and makes it vulnerable to cancer.
Cold control:Zinc supplements help in decreasing the severity and duration of colds and other mild illnesses.
Weight loss: A number of studies have connected zinc with a decrease in appetite, which prevents overeating.
Reproduction: In males, zinc assists in spermatogenesis and the development of the sex organs, while in females, zinc aids in all the reproductive phases, including the parturition and lactation stages. Low zinc in men impair testosterone production and causes infertility and lowers libido.
Antioxidant: Zinc acts as an antioxidant and is involved in some of the biochemically reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, enzymatic function and carbohydrate metabolism.
Infection: Zinc helps in protecting against infectious disorders and fungal infections, which include pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Night blindness: It is always recommended to consume food like beef, lamb, oysters, buckwheat and crabs as they are rich in zinc content and will improve the ability to see.
Biological Functions: Zinc plays a key role in many biological functions such as reproduction, diabetes control, stress level modulation, immune resistance, smell and taste, physical growth, appetite and digestion.
Cognitive functions:Zinc is found in high concentrations in the hippocampus (part of brain), which controls thought and memory.
Sources of Zinc:
The most important food source for zinc is meat, and other products like oysters, turnips, peas, oats, cashews, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, ginger root and pecan nuts.
