Benefits of Zinc for Men
1. Reduces the frequency and severity of colds
2. Deals with Prostate Conditions
3. Increases sperm production and motility in infertile men
4. Assists in minimizing night-time leg cramps
5. Lessens some symptoms of sickle cell anemia
6. Helps improve the vision of people who are starting to lose their sight due to macular degeneration (AMD) or retinitis pigenmentosa (RP). It also speeds up visual recovery among those with eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, optic neuritis, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, etc., which involve damage to the retina caused by cuts in its blood supply – the retina is the lining at the back of the eye that senses light
7. Fights Migraines
8. Boosts immunity, which helps fight off infections like pneumonia, flu (influenza), varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), and others
9. Prevents anemia by increasing hemoglobin production in the bone marrow.
10. Helps maintain strong teeth and bones
11. Enhance sperm count and quality
12. Maintains optimal energy levels
13. Keeps skin healthy
14. Assists with weight loss
15 . Bits of help reduce stress 16 Supports cognitive function
17 . Keeps you active during pregnancy
18 . Improves muscle strength
19 . Supports Immune System
20 . Promotes digestive health
Zinc is a mineral with diverse roles in maintaining our health and well-being. It is naturally found in some foods, added to others, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some pharmaceuticals. People get zinc from the diet by eating meat, seafood, dairy products, legumes (beans), whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Zinc can also be taken by mouth as a dietary supplement or applied to the skin for conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Zinc is involved in many processes that keep the body healthy and it cannot be stored for later use so it’s important that we get enough every day . The activities of cells depend on enzymes which are proteins made up of amino acids .
Enzymes need minerals including zinc for their actions. These enzymes are found in all body tissues, but some of the highest amounts are needed to maintain the health of the prostate gland and sperm production.
The testes need zinc to produce testosterone, the hormone that makes men’s bodies develop into men rather than women. There is also evidence suggesting that zinc may increase levels of another hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), helping with the production of both testosterone and sperm.
Although there is no formal recommendation about how much zinc should be taken daily, adults typically require around 8-11mg per day for healthy immune function, especially after an illness or infection has passed. Preferably this would come from natural sources as opposed to supplements. Zinc can be toxic when taken at levels above 40mg a day.
It is important to ensure adequate protein intake when taking zinc as zinc is absorbed better in the presence of some protein.
Food Sources:
Oysters, crab, lobster, and red meat are particularly rich sources of zinc. Other good sources include nuts such as cashews, peanuts, and almonds; whole grains such as oats and wheat germ; beans such as lentils and soybeans; pumpkin seeds; peas; dairy products including cheese, milk, and yogurt; vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes.
Food preparation methods can significantly affect the amount of zinc we absorb from foods so it is best not to overcook zinc-rich foods or use highly acidic cooking liquids like lemon juice which Wallach more of the mineral from the food.
Phytic acid in foods such as legumes, seeds, and grains can impact zinc absorption so ensure you cook these well or eat them with a source of zinc to increase the amount absorbed.
Zinc Supplements:
Zinc supplements are available in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, liquids, and lozenges. Colloidal zinc is a form of zinc supplement where the mineral is suspended in a solution with an inert substance such as maltodextrin.
Zinc toxicity may be caused by excessive supplementation or by some conditions that cause poor absorption of the mineral from the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged use of very high doses can also lead to a copper deficiency which is why it is important to monitor zinc levels when taken alongside other minerals.
Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue while more serious signs can include low blood sugar and dizziness if left untreated. Zinc overdose can cause copper deficiency and low levels of the mineral increase the chance of developing prostate cancer.
Zinc Deficiency:
Zinc is involved in many processes in our bodies, especially immune function. A lack of this important mineral can lead to problems with wound healing, a decreased ability to fight off infection, poor growth, diarrhea, or impotence in men. Symptoms are usually seen when intakes are below 13mg a day over a long time so it’s unlikely most people will develop zinc deficiency unless they have particular health conditions which cause malabsorption .
It is important to note that a low zinc intake can lead to a reduced ability to absorb other nutrients such as iron and magnesium.
Zinc sources:
Oysters, crab, lobster, and red meat are particularly rich sources of zinc. Other good sources include nuts such as cashews, peanuts, and almonds; whole grains such as oats and wheat germ; beans such as lentils and soybeans; pumpkin seeds; peas; dairy products including cheese, milk, and yogurt vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes.
Food preparation methods can significantly affect the amount of zinc we absorb from foods so it is best not to overcook zinc-rich foods or use highly acidic cooking liquids like lemon juice which will act more of the mineral from the food.
Phytic acid in foods such as legumes, seeds, and grains can impact zinc absorption so ensure you cook these well or eat them with a source of zinc to increase the amount absorbed.
Side Effects:
Zinc supplements may cause nausea, vomiting diarrhea, and headaches. Some side effects, such as fatigue and low blood sugar, may be caused by too little zinc rather than too much. It is therefore important that zinc levels are monitored if taken alongside other supplements containing other minerals like iron.
People who have Wilson’s disease should avoid taking high doses of supplemental zinc because it further reduces already low copper levels. However, people with the healthy immune function will benefit from ensuring they get enough daily zinc through diet or supplements (if needed).
Zinc Supplements:
Zinc supplements are available in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, liquids, and lozenges. Colloidal zinc is a form of zinc supplement where the mineral is suspended in a solution with an inert substance such as maltodextrin.
Zinc toxicity may be caused by excessive supplementation or by some conditions that cause poor absorption of the mineral from the gastrointestinal tract. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue while more serious signs can include low blood sugar and dizziness if left untreated.
Zinc overdose can cause copper deficiency and low levels of the mineral increase the chance of developing prostate cancer.