Nutrition and Benefits of Zinc
The mineral zinc is a very important nutrient that you need to stay healthy. If your body is deficient in zinc, you may become sick even if you eat a nutritious diet. This article lists 15 amazing benefits of zinc for your health and how increasing the amount of zinc in your daily diet can improve many aspects of your physical and mental wellbeing.
Zinc Nutrition:
The importance of zinc for your health is hard to overestimate. Zinc is a very important mineral that plays a role in the proper function of the immune system, the reproductive system, mental health, and vision among many other functions. In fact, zinc has been found to be an essential nutrient for humans as well as for a number of animals.
In humans, zinc is needed to maintain the health of all of the body’s tissues and organs, especially the skin, hair, eyes, bones, liver, and kidneys. It also plays an important role in our physical development as well as our ability to learn and remember things.
Zinc is often called an “immune-boosting” mineral because it activates white blood cells to destroy invading organisms. Zinc is also essential for the normal development of the reproductive system and helps regulate hormone production.
Zinc Benefits 1- Improves Wound Healing:
Putting aside its well-known benefits in immunity, zinc has also been found to improve wound healing by triggering cellular repair mechanisms.
The mineral has anti-inflammatory properties and also accelerates the formation of new tissue (e.g., by increasing collagen production). Studies have shown that zinc supplementation speeds up the healing process, especially among people who are deficient in this nutrient or who have delayed wound healing.
Zinc Benefits 2:
Boosts Testosterone Levels, Unfortunately, zinc is not well known for its powerful aphrodisiac effects. In men, zinc has been found to play a role in stimulating testosterone production. Zinc also directly activates an enzyme called aromatase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into estradiol.
Zinc Benefits 3:
Maintains Healthy Sperm Zinc is also essential for sperm development and protects the mitochondria in both sperm cells and egg cells. This means that zinc can help with fertility, especially among people who are deficient in this mineral.
Zinc Benefits 4:
Helps Prevent Blindness When it comes to your vision, zinc is one element that you don’t want to be deficient in. Studies have found that a mild deficiency in this nutrient increases the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among adults. Fortunately, taking zinc supplements can reduce the risk of developing AMD.
Zinc Benefits 5:
Slows Down Brain Aging Another health problem that has been linked to zinc deficiency in brain aging. Zinc plays an essential role in cognitive development, learning ability, and memory formation. That’s why many people are turning to zinc supplements to improve these functions and prevent age-related mental decline.
Zinc Benefits 6:
Eases Symptoms of ADHD Zinc is also known for its mood-boosting properties and many people use zinc supplements to improve their psychological wellbeing, including symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research has found that when kids with ADHD are given zinc supplements, they experience improvements in both behavior and concentration.
Zinc Benefits 7:
May Help Treat Depression, Unfortunately, zinc isn’t just useful for physical health. It may also be helpful in treating mental problems like depression. Studies have found that people with severe depression often have lower levels of zinc than those who are not depressed. But supplementation studies indicate that taking zinc supplements can improve the moods of people with major depressive disorder.
Zinc Benefits 8:
May Relieve Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome Zinc is rapidly emerging as a potential treatment for autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren’s syndrome. In one study, researchers found that supplementing with biotin and zinc could significantly reduce symptoms of this disease. They also noted that the severity of these symptoms was in proportion to the degree of deficiency.
Zinc Benefits 9:
May Prevent Hair Loss Among many other minerals, zinc is a key nutrient in the development and maintenance of hair follicles. That’s why a mild zinc deficiency can cause a form of hair loss known as alopecia areata, which usually affects children. Fortunately, zinc supplementation has been shown to delay or even reverse this condition in mice and humans.
Zinc Benefits 10:
Relieves Symptoms of ADHD Zinc is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for brain function and mental wellbeing. In fact, zinc may be helpful in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies have found that supplementing with zinc can improve concentration and behavior in kids with ADHD.
Zinc benefits for skin:
The use of zinc as a treatment for acne dates back to the days when people believed that spicy foods and chocolate were among the key triggering factors of breakouts.
You may not be surprised to learn that such an old-fashioned idea finds its way into modern medicine as well. A study from 1958 suggested that there is a link between acne and zinc deficiency. But how does this work?
It is estimated that the average human body contains about one to two grams of zinc. In addition to its known role in cell metabolism, it also seems to play a decisive role when it comes to the prevention and treatment of acne. It even works against wrinkles!
Zinc fights inflammation:
Zinc is one of the most important anti-inflammatory nutrients
It even works against swelling caused by leishmaniasis, an infectious disease spread through sand flies.
A number of studies have shown that zinc can reduce inflammation in acne patients. If acne lesions are inflamed, to begin with, they will only get worse over time. People who suffer from acne often have lower levels of zinc in their blood. This can be easily determined with a simple test.
Zinc and the skin’s protective barrier:
Zinc plays a key role when it comes to the integrity and proper function of cell membranes. It seems that the severity of an individual’s acne correlates with how well their skin is able to retain zinc. On a side note: a deficiency of vitamin A can result in a weakened cell membrane as well.
Zinc helps the body produce collagen:
Collagen is one of the most important building blocks in our body. There are about 30 grams of it in an average human being. It is a protein that provides the skin, bones, and connective tissue with firmness and elasticity. In addition to that, it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation.
Zinc and vitamin C:
Zinc and vitamin C work together to prevent wrinkles when they are applied topically. Vitamin C reduces inflammation and speeds up wound healing. Zinc fights free radicals that would otherwise damage collagen and elastin, the two components that give your skin its firmness and elasticity.
To preserve optimal skin health, you should take 15 to 25mg of zinc every day. The same applies to vitamin C. If you are under stress or have an active lifestyle, increase your intake accordingly.
It is very difficult to overdose on zinc, as the body will simply get rid of any excess via the urine. To be on the safe side, stay within the recommended daily dose and avoid taking zinc supplements for extended periods.
One of the best sources of zinc is pumpkin seeds. Other good dietary sources include oysters, chicken breast, beef tenderloin, and shrimp.
Zinc can also be found in some greens such as kale and spinach. However, it is very difficult to ingest the recommended daily dose of zinc from dietary sources alone. That’s why many people opt for a zinc supplement instead.
Zinc benefits for skin:
Precautions:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not supplement with zinc. A deficiency in this group of people can have serious consequences, none of which is good for the development of a baby. In some cases, it can lead to a permanent disability.
People who suffer from Wilson’s disease should also avoid taking too much zinc. The same applies to people on hemodialysis.
Since zinc may reduce the absorption of iron, it is not recommended for children under five years of age. Furthermore, excessive zinc intake can cause nausea and vomiting in some people.
Finally, it goes without saying that you should avoid taking too much zinc if you are not zinc-deficient.
Zinc supplements:
So, what can you do if you want to take extra zinc – but have reached the maximum safe dosage? In this case, a zinc spray may be just what you’re looking for. Zinc sprays are usually topical solutions that you spray onto your skin after washing it with soap and water. They can also be used to stop itching caused by skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Zinc sprays are available in pharmacies and online for between $20 and $45. You should always consult a medical professional before using zinc supplements. That is especially important when it comes to zinc sprays. Do not use them on broken skin, as the metal may be absorbed into your bloodstream.
Zinc supplements can take up to three months before they start having an effect on your facial acne. If you are patient and want to give zinc a try, make sure you do what’s best for your body.
zinc side effects:
Zinc is safe when taken orally in recommended doses. However, topical zinc can have serious side effects if it contacts the eyes or other mucous membranes. Apply zinc-based sun care products only on areas of your body that are less sensitive, such as your arms and legs.
When using a zinc spray, always ensure that you close your eyes and mouth. If you accidentally spray it into your eyes or mouth, rinse with water immediately (16).
Symptoms of excessive oral zinc intake include:
digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting
headaches.
difficulty sleeping.
loss of appetite. and a copper deficiency.
Zinc tablets:
Some supplements contain excessive amounts of zinc, which can be harmful. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
Dietary sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts. Other good sources include whole-grain products and fortified breakfast cereals.
It is recommended that women take 8 milligrams (mg) of zinc per day and men take 11 mg.
It is very difficult to overdose on zinc, as the body will simply get rid of any excess via the urine. To be on the safe side, stay within the recommended daily dose and avoid taking zinc supplements for extended periods.
One of the best sources of zinc is oysters. Oysters contain the highest amount of zinc in any food. In fact, they contain so much zinc that a person would have to eat 71 oysters in order to reach the recommended daily intake [RDI].
Zinc may not be enough:
You should never take zinc tablets without first speaking with your doctor, as it can have a negative effect on the body if the dosage is incorrect.
If you are unable to take zinc orally or have reached the maximum safe daily dosage of 40 mg, topical zinc sprays may be an effective way for you to supplement your diet without experiencing any side effects. However, all topical applications must be used with care, as zinc’s positive effects on the skin can also cause damage if too much is absorbed.