10 Health Benefits of Zinc!

By Kris Chan

Ten reasons why you should pay attention to foods high in zinc.

Health Benefits of Zinc

Zinc is usually the last mineral name you will find in a box of multivitamin supplements. But that doesn’t mean that it is the last needed nutrient for the body. In fact, it is an essential micro-mineral found in all body parts and is vital for the healthy activity of all the body’s system. The activity of about 300 enzymes relies on zinc to get them moving.

1. Strengthens immune system

Zinc is known to prevent or shorten the duration of colds due to its ability to strengthen the immune system where it demonstrated to enhance white blood cell functions. People with low zinc supply are known to experience increased susceptibility to a variety of infectious organisms.  2. Supports smell and taste sensitivity

Zinc deficiency has been found to impair the sense of smell and taste. A protein that is directly involved in our sense of taste is believed to be linked to zinc in order for it to function properly.

3. Increase fertility

Low zinc supply in males has been found to cause infertility, reduced sperm count and abnormalities in sperm motility. Adequate supply of zinc in females promotes proper cell division, a process critical to the early stages of conception and fetal development.

4. Helps prevent osteoporosis

Zinc deficiency is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Studies have shown that zinc stimulates bone formation and inhibits bone loss.

5. Promotes healthy skin

You’ve probably heard that zinc is good for acne. This is due to zinc’s influence on hormones which controls the production of oil in the skin. Zinc also promotes healthy cell growth and has shown to contribute in the healing of other skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, diaper rash and burns.

6. Anti-inflammatory effects

Studies suggest that zinc has anti-inflammatory effects and has an analgesic action during the early stages of inflammation. Zinc supplementation was also linked to a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Aids in weight loss

One of the many symptoms of zinc deficiency is weight loss as it is an important mineral for appetite control. But this doesn’t mean that you should overdose on zinc if you want to lose weight.

8. Helps balance blood sugar

Zinc is an important factor in regulating insulin production. It aids blood sugar get into the cells and helps insulin to function properly.

9. Promotes healthy eyes

Among the tissues in the human body, the eyes contain the highest concentrations of zinc. It plays an important role in eye health, and recent studies have shown the association of zinc to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

10. Promotes prostate health

High concentrations of zinc are also found in the prostate, and for years, experts have known that the mineral may play a role in prostate health. Preliminary studies suggest that zinc slow down the activation of prostate cancer cells.

Despite the many health promoting effects of zinc, this doesn’t mean that one should have more than what the body needs. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is only 10-15 mg. Oysters, shellfish, beef and other red meats and most nuts and legumes are good sources of zinc.