Zinc Properties And Health Benefits

Zinc is a very important mineral for the body. The only way to get it is through food, as it is present in the body only in very small amounts. This micronutrient is essential for human life and its deficiency can cause serious health problems. In this article, we will look at the properties and health benefits of zinc.

What are the properties and health benefits of zinc?

In 1963, Dr. Prasad discovered that the condition of patients with iron deficiency anemia improved with treatments that included zinc as a supplement. Most of this micronutrient is absorbed in the small intestine. From there, it travels to the liver and further from the liver to the tissues.

Zinc belongs to the group of “100 most important enzymes”. It helps with protein and carbohydrate metabolism, insulin production, and improving the immune system.

It also removes free radicals from the body and helps maintain skin elasticity (20% of this mineral is retained in the skin).

In total, 85% of zinc is stored:

• iris
• nails
• hair
• to the bones
• testicles
• muscles

Zinc is excreted in the bile and intestinal and pancreatic fluids and mainly in the faeces.

It is important to know that excessive consumption of legumes and bleached grains can prevent complete absorption of zinc.

Zinc levels can also be affected by:

• Anemia
• Infections
• Cardiovascular problems
• Kidney problems
• Alcoholism
• Stress (reduces the amount of zinc in the body three times faster than any other ailment)

An essential nutrient

Low zinc levels mean an increased risk of disease. The recommended daily dose of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men.

However, some groups of people need a larger amount of it every day:

• Babies and children
• Malnourished and malnourished
• Pregnant and lactating women
• Older people
• People with celiac disease
• Alcoholics
• Vegetarians and vegans
• People who have just undergone surgery
• People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis or people with poor intestinal absorption of nutrients
• People with a weakened immune system

Zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency is a serious problem today due to eating habits and lifestyles. For example, someone may always eat only monoculturally grown grain or seeds (there is no zinc in the soil), eat a lot of medications (diuretics, antihypertensives, or acid blockers), or spend a very irregular life.

It is important to know that zinc deficiency can cause:

• Recurrent flu and runny nose
• Chronic fatigue
• Plant and developmental disorders in children
• Mood swings
• Learning difficulties and poor school performance
• Memory problems
• Acne
• Vision problems

When zinc deficiency is chronic, it can cause:

• Memory problems
• Visual, odor and taste disturbances
• White dots on the nails (this sign should be noted)

How does zinc help?

This micronutrient has numerous functions, which is why its importance in the body should not be taken lightly. When zinc is obtained in the right amounts, it benefits the body in the following ways.

Reduces the risk of cancer

Although zinc is not a cure for cancer, it can significantly reduce the risk of developing it. This is because that mineral is involved in cell division. Zinc deficiency can cause tumors to form. In addition, because it has functions in the immune system, it is able to remove harmful cells.

Zinc deficiency means that the body has to “replace” it with another similar compound. The problem is that the most similar compounds to zinc are cadmium and mercury (these can be found in many store foods). These trace elements have been linked to the development of cancer.

Growth and development

Zinc plays an important role in the growth of children as it affects bone formation and mineralization as well as the reproductive organs.

It is also needed to treat osteoporosis (the diet must also include calcium, manganese and copper) and to remove plaque from the teeth.

Promotes men’s health

Zinc prevents the formation of a testosterone derivative. When the level of this derivative is high, it increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Zinc deficiency is also associated with erectile dysfunction and libido problems.

Protects arteries

People with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels should eat zinc-rich foods to keep their arteries clean.

It is also recommended for those who have had a heart attack and those who have other cardiovascular diseases.

Stronger immune system

Researchers have shown that zinc strengthens and develops the body’s resistance. It helps prevent harmful cells from entering the body and, if they do, ensure that they are neutralized.

Zinc also contributes to wound healing and prevents many viral or bacterial diseases (such as the flu).

If you have recently been tired and weak, pay attention to the amount of zinc you eat. Fatigue is one symptom associated with zinc deficiency.

When you get the flu, it’s a good idea to eat more zinc to speed recovery.

Improves the condition of hair, skin and nails

Zinc not only accelerates wound healing, but is also associated with skin strengthening.

Deficiency of this mineral can cause irritation or psoriasis of the skin, recurrent bruising (which lasts a long time), acne and eczema. Zinc deficiency or low levels are also associated with premature aging of the skin and recurrence of cold sores.

Increases the properties of zinc

As if that weren’t enough, zinc still has other health benefits.

• Prevents age-related macular degeneration.
• Improves the sense of taste and smell.
• Treats Wilson’s disease (accumulation of copper in the body).
• Increases estrogen production in women.
• Improves insulin sensitivity.
• Promotes nutrient absorption, improves stomach acid levels and relieves diarrhea.
• Develops the nervous system and reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Balances the acid-base balance of the blood.
• Protection pays.
• Reduces tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What are the main sources of zinc?

Now that you know how important the nutrient zinc is, you should know where to get it:

• Fish, oysters and seafood
• Offal (especially liver)
• From the muscle
• About nuts
• Seeds (pumpkin and sesame seeds)
• Wheat germ and cereals (dark rice, oats and rye)
• Legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
• Bee pollen
• Leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts)
• Throat
• About bananas