Importance of Zinc For Our Health

Zinc is needed for the proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, controls diabetes, reduces in stress levels, improves metabolism, and speeds up healing of wounds. Also, it is helpful in terms of pregnancy, hair care, eczema, aids in weight loss, night blindness, cold, eye care, appetite loss, and many other conditions.

Zinc, being an important mineral, plays a vital role in protein synthesis and helps regulate the cell production in the immune system of the human body. It is mostly found in the strongest muscles of the body and is found in especially high concentrations in the white and red blood cells, retina, skin, liver, kidneys, bones, and pancreas. The semen and the prostate gland in men also contain significant amounts of zinc.

In the human body, there are more than 300 different enzymes that require zinc to function normally. Researchers believe that 3,000 proteins (out of approximately 100,000) have this vital mineral.
A normal person has two to three grams of zinc at any given time. There are organs in the human body which secrete it, such as the salivary gland, the prostate gland, and the pancreas. Even cells involved in the activity of the immune system secrete zinc. It is used up in various metabolic processes and eliminated through normal excretory and urinary channels, so it needs to be replenished often.

Deficiency Symptoms      

Growth retardation 

Low blood pressure

Retarded bone growth

Loss of appetite

Loss of smell and taste senses

Depression  

Rough skin/Pale Skin 

Weight loss 

Diarrhea

Hair loss

Fatigue

White spots under fingernails

Sources of Zinc

The most important food source of zinc is meat and other products like oysters, turnips, peas, oats, peanuts, almonds, whole wheat grain, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, and pecan nuts. 

Skin Care

Zinc is known to be an effective home remedy for curing pimples and for eliminating acne. It regulates and controls the amount of testosterone in the body, which plays a dominant role in causing acne. Zinc is also involved in collagen synthesis. This helps in normalizing the presence of oil under the skin and improves the maintenance of healthy skin. The open sores that come with acne are practically magnets for bacterial and viral infections and this mineral can stimulate the white blood cell count and reduce the chances of any type of infection.

White blood cells are integral to the healing process and can defend the body against a number of infections, including those that commonly attack canker sores, ulcers, burns, surgical incisions, and other wounds. Zinc is also required for the production of collagen, a connective tissue that is required for skin repair and regrowth. Acne can leave permanent scars on the skin and zinc can help reduce the evidence of those scars.
 Treats Eczema
Also called “atopic dermatitis”, eczema is an inflammatory and chronic disorder of the skin and is mainly caused by a deficiency of zinc in the body. It plays an important role in healing chronic infections and assists the body in restoring its ability to heal properly and completely. This irritation can be cleared up by re-balancing the zinc content in your blood.

Prevents Prostate Problems

Zinc is very important in dealing with prostate disorders. Its deficiency causes enlargement of the prostate gland and makes it vulnerable to cancer. It is advisable to take 15mg of zinc every day, under close medical observation, when suffering from a prostate disorder. Studies have shown a reduction in tumor growth in the prostate when normal levels of this mineral are present in the system.

Improves Cognitive Function

Zinc seems to have a strong impact on mental function as it combines with Vitamin B6 to ensure the proper function of neurotransmitters that communicate within the body. It is also found in high concentrations in the hippocampus, which controls thought and memory. For those who have suffered an injury, zinc keeps brain function strong, as it is naturally diverted to the other parts of the body for healing purposes.

Improves Senses of Taste And Smell

Zinc has unique benefits, of improving taste and smell. Taste buds and olfactory cells are zinc-reliant, and it is necessary for the proper development and growth of those specific cells. Studies have shown that increasing zinc levels can improve these two senses and help them function at optimal levels.

Decreases Severity Of Cold

Zinc supplements help in decreasing the severity and duration of cold and other mild illnesses. This mineral reduces the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which aggravate the body during cold or other infections. Also, its ability to stimulate white blood cell activity makes it ideal for reducing colds and infections. It helps in protesting against infectious disorders and fungal infections, which include pneumonia and conjunctivitis.

Aids In Weight loss

Zinc plays a vital role in weight loss for obese individuals. A number of studies have connected it with a decrease in appetite, which prevents overeating. This is related to zinc’s manipulation of the ghrelin hormone, which tells the body when it wants to eat.

Boosts Fertility

Zinc is essential for the repair and functioning of DNA. It is essential for rapid growth of cells and for the building of major constituents of the cell during the course of a pregnancy. The enormous development and enzymatic activity that takes place during pregnancy make it one of the most vital nutrients for infants and mothers.

In males, zinc assists in spermatogenesis and the development of the sex organs, while in females, zinc aids in all the reproductive phases, including the delivery and lactation stages. When it comes to sperm, zinc plays a major role in a number of ways. First of all, it acts as a sort of sedative for the sperm so that they don’t expend unnecessary energy. It also protects the reproductive DNA inside the sperm from breaking down, so a correct transfer of information is guaranteed. Once the sperm enters the female reproductive tract, it quickly dissipates and has a sudden burst of energy, which propels it up in the tube. Finally, it is an essential part of the enzymes that allow sperm to penetrate into the egg.

Essential For Protein Synthesis

Zinc acts as an antioxidant and is involved in some of the biochemically decisive reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, enzymatic function, and carbohydrate metabolism. Since this mineral is involved in so many integral systems and functions of the body,it must form an essential part of one's diet.

Regulates Cell Growth

Zinc is an essential component in a number of enzymes that help in regulating cell growth, protein synthesis, hormonal levels, DNA, gene transcription, energy metabolism, and other related functions.

Prevents Cancer

The natural antioxidant properties of this mineral mean that it actively seeks out free radicals, the hazardous by-products of cell metabolism that can cause a number of diseases. Free radicals can morph normal cells into cancerous cells by breaking down their DNA integrity so the elimination of free radicals by antioxidants is one of the most vital lines of defense against many kinds of cancer.

Fights Fatigue

People suffering from chronic fatigue are usually told to consume fish oil, as it is rich in zinc. Many doctors prescribe no other medication for curing chronic fatigue except fish oil. Zinc is  integral for normal muscle function, and researchers believe that muscle fatigue is one of the major causes of chronic fatigue. Therefore, zinc is the ideal supplement to boost your energy levels.

Treats Alopecia

Alopecia causes loss of hair in both children and adults. Doctors often tell people suffering from this condition to boost their intake of zinc in their diet. Since it is beneficial for strong hair, the symptoms of alopecia can sometimes be diminished. Studies have shown that it is more effective in treating alopecia in children than in adults.

Prevents Bone Loss

Zinc is a component of hydroxyapatite, which is a salt that makes the bone matrix strong and hard. Hence, zinc should be added to your dietary plan to avoid bone loss, particularly as you get older or if you show any signs of premature aging or osteoporosis.

Treats Night Blindness Along With Vitamin A

Consuming about 150-450 mg zinc will help to improve your vision. Therefore, it is always recommended to consume food like beef, lamb, oysters, buckwheat, as they are rich in zinc and will improve your ability to see. It is particularly helpful for those suffering from night blindness. Vitamin A, which is an essential part of improving night vision, stimulates certain enzymes that cannot function without zinc, therefore making it a vital  element in reducing night blindness.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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