Discover The Properties And Benefits Of Zinc

Zinc is a very important mineral for the body. However, the only way to get it is through food, as it is only present in the body in very small amounts.

This substance is essential for human life and a deficiency can cause serious health problems. In this article we will tell you about the properties and benefits of zinc.

What are the properties of zinc?

To clarify the properties of this mineral, we need to take a short trip.

In 1963 Dr. Prasad noted that patients with anemia – who suffered from iron deficiency – responded well to treatments with a zinc supplement.

Most of this substance is absorbed by the small intestine. It is then transported to the liver. From there it is distributed throughout the body.

It also acts as an anti-free radical agent in the body to help maintain skin elasticity (20% of the mineral is in the skin).

Of the total, 85% is distributed as follows:

• The iris of the eye
• nails
• Her
• Bones
• testicles
• Muscles

Zinc is removed by bile, intestinal and pancreatic fluids, and mainly through the stool.

It is important to know that excessive consumption of legumes and processed grains can inhibit the full absorption of this mineral.

Zinc levels may also be affected if you suffer from the following conditions:

• Anemia
• Infections
• Heart and vascular disease
• Kidney problems
• Alcoholism
• Stress (this lowers zinc levels three times faster than any other condition)

A necessary nutrient

A low zinc level puts you at an increased risk of various conditions. The recommended daily dose of zinc for women is 8 mg and for men 11 mg.

However, there are certain groups that require a higher dosage each day:

• Babies and children
• Malnourished people or people with a poor diet
• Pregnant women and also women who are breastfeeding
• Elderly
• Celiac patients
• Alcoholics
• Vegetarians and vegans
• People who have recently had surgery
• People with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or poor gut absorption
• Individuals with a weakened immune system

Zinc deficiency

Zinc deficiency is a serious problem today due to the type of food and lifestyle in our modern society.

For example, you only eat seeds or grains from monocultures (the earth does not contain zinc), take a lot of medicines (eg diuretics, blood pressure drugs) or you have a very unbalanced routine.

It is important to know that a deficiency in zinc can cause the following conditions, among others:

• Frequent colds and flu
• Chronic fatigue
• Growth and development problems in children
• mood swings
• Learning disabilities and low academic performance
• Amnesia
• Acne
• Vision Problems

When a zinc deficiency is chronic, it can cause the following problems:

• Memory problems
• Problems with vision, hearing and taste
• White spots on the nails (a sign you should not ignore)

How does zinc help?

This fabric has several functions. Therefore, you should not take its role in your body lightly. When we consume zinc in the right amounts, we reap the following benefits.

Less risk of cancer

While zinc is not a cure for cancer, it can significantly reduce your risk of developing it.

This is because this mineral is involved in cellular reproduction. A deficiency can cause the formation of tumors. In addition, because it affects the immune system, it can help your body get rid of harmful cells.

A lack of zinc means that the body has to compensate for this with another similar substance.

The problem is that cadmium and mercury have the most similarities (which we can find in some foods you can find in the supermarket). However, these elements are actually related to the development of cancer.

Growth and development

Zinc is important for the growth of children as it plays a role in the formation and mineralization of bones and the reproductive organs.

It is  necessary for the treatment of osteoporosis (the diet must therefore contain calcium, manganese and copper) and for the removal of plaque from the teeth.

Better health in men

Zinc prevents the production of a derivative of testosterone. When the level of this derivative is high, there is an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The complete opposite happens when the body has the right amount of zinc. In addition,  a lack of zinc can also lead to erectile dysfunction and libido problems.

It protects the arteries

Some people with high cholesterol and a high percentage of triglycerides in their blood need to eat foods high in zinc to keep the  arteries clean.

It is also recommended for patients who have had a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.

A stronger immune system

Scientists have shown that zinc strengthens and develops the body’s defense system. It helps prevent harmful cells from entering the body and when they do, it ensures that they are neutralized.

At the same time, it aids in wound healing and prevents many viral or bacterial diseases (such as a cold).

If you’re feeling very tired and weak, you may want to take a look at the amount of zinc you’re taking in. Fatigue is another symptom associated with a zinc deficiency.

When you’re in bed with the flu, it’s good to increase your zinc dose so you’re better soon.

It improves hair, skin and nails

Zinc not only helps wounds to heal faster, but also develops and strengthens the skin.

Deficiency can cause the skin to peel, and it can also cause psoriasis, bruising (long-term), acne, and eczema. Zinc deficiency has also been linked to premature aging of the skin and recurrent cold sores (herpes simplex).

More properties of zinc

As if everything we’ve mentioned before isn’t enough, there are even more properties of zinc that are worth knowing about.

• Fighting age-related macular degeneration.
• Improves taste and sense of smell.
• Treats Wilson’s disease (too much copper in the body).
• Increases the production of estrogen in women.
• Improves insulin sensitivity.
• Helps with better absorption of nutrients, improves stomach acid and also relieves diarrhea.
• Develops the nervous system and also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Balances the acid-alkaline levels in the blood.
• Protects the liver.
• Reduces tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What are the main sources of zinc?

Now you know that zinc is very important, you can find it in:

• Fish, oysters and shellfish
• Organ meats (especially liver)
• Meat
• nuts
• Seeds (pumpkin, sesame)
• Wheat germ and grains (brown rice, oats and rye)
• Legumes (chickpeas, lentils)
• Honey
• Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts)
• cucumbers
• bananas