Zinc And Healthy Life: Why Is Zinc Important?
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This article is reviewed by a team of registered dietitians and medical doctors with extensive, practical clinical and public health experience.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral required for our bodies’ proper functioning. It is involved in many aspects of human health, including the immune system, growth, and development, and wound healing.
While our bodies need only small amounts of zinc, it is nonetheless important to ensure that we consume enough of this nutrient.
A zinc deficiency can lead to several health problems, such as diarrhea, hair loss, and impotence. Zinc is found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, seafood, and dairy products.
Some supplements contain it as well. This article will discuss everything you need to know about zinc, including its benefits, sources, and recommended intake.

Contents
Benefits Of Zinc
There are many health benefits associated with zinc, including:
Increases The Immune System
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in boosting the immune system. It helps the body produce antibodies, proteins that fight infection.
Zinc also helps to activate T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps to fight off infection.
Zinc can help to shorten the duration of a cold, and it may also help to prevent respiratory infections. Zinc supplements are readily available and can be taken in pill form.
Speeds Up Wound Healing
The healing of wounds depends critically on zinc, an important element. It helps to keep the skin healthy and plays a role in the production of new skin cells.
Zinc is involved in the regulation of cell growth and the production of collagen. A protein called collagen is necessary for the healing of wounds.
Lowers The Risk Of Some Age-Related Diseases
Zinc is a necessary mineral that can be found in a variety of foods. It is necessary for the proper function of many enzymes and helps to regulate cell growth.
Additionally, zinc supports the immune system and lowers the risk of certain age-related illnesses, including macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.
Acne Treatment Potential
Acne is a common skin condition that can be treated in several different ways. One of the most effective treatments is zinc, which can help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
Zinc can be taken orally or applied topically, and it is typically well-tolerated with few side effects. If you are considering using zinc to treat your acne, it is important to speak with a dermatologist first.
They can help to determine the best course of treatment for you and make sure that you are using zinc safely and effectively.
Reduction Of Inflammation
Zinc is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the body. The body typically responds to damage or infection with inflammation.
However, chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Zinc can help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines that are beneficial for our health.
How Can I Get Zinc In My Diet?
Although zinc is found in a variety of foods, some people may not get enough of it in their diet. You can also get zinc through food fortification, which is when zinc is added to food products such as cereals and flour.
If you think you might not be getting enough zinc, talk to your doctor to see if a supplement is right for you.
Following are the foods that contain a high amount of zinc which is helpful for a healthy life:
Meat
Meat is a good source of zinc, with beef, lamb, and pork being particularly high in this mineral, and eating meat regularly can help ensure that you get enough of this important nutrient.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to meat and zinc, however. First, it’s important to choose lean cuts of meat, as fat can decrease the absorption of zinc.
Second, cooking meat can also reduce the zinc content, so it’s best to eat meat that is either cooked very lightly or raw.
Shellfish
Shellfish are a good source of zinc, providing about 3 mg per 3-ounce serving. Oysters, in particular, are especially high in zinc, with a 3-ounce serving providing about 28 mg of the mineral.
Legumes
Beans, peas, and lentils all fall under the category of legumes, a type of plant. They are a good source of zinc and other important nutrients, such as fiber and protein.
There are a few different types of legumes, and each one has a different nutrient profile.
For example, black beans are a good source of iron, while lentils are a good source of folate. As for zinc, all legumes are a good source of this essential mineral.
Legumes are a good dietary source of zinc for people who are vegetarian or vegan. They are also a good source of this mineral for people who cannot eat meat or poultry for religious or cultural reasons.
In addition, legumes are a good alternative to meat or poultry for people who are trying to limit their intake of animal products.
Nuts
Nuts are a good source of zinc, and just a handful of nuts (30 grams) can provide the body with its daily recommended intake of zinc.
There are many different types of nuts, and each type of nut contains a different amount of zinc. For example, almonds contain about 4.5 mg of zinc per 30 grams, while cashews contain about 5.5 mg of zinc per 30 grams.
Dairy
Dairy products are a good source of dietary zinc because they contain high levels of zinc bioavailability. This means that the body can easily absorb and use the zinc from dairy products.
Dairy products also contain other nutrients that are important for the body, such as calcium and protein.
Seeds
Zinc, among other vitamins and minerals, is abundant in seeds. Additionally, they include a lot of fiber and protein.
Seeds can be a helpful addition to the diet of people who are trying to lose weight, as they help to feel fuller for longer.
Additionally, seeds contain antioxidants and other phytochemicals that may help to reduce inflammation.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of zinc. Eggs are one of the few foods that contain zinc in a bioavailable form, which means that our bodies can easily absorb and use it.
Although eggs are a good source of zinc, it is important to note that they also contain cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in the diet can lead to heart disease.
Therefore, it is important to eat eggs in moderation and to balance them with other foods that are low in cholesterol.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a good source of zinc, providing about 2 mg per serving. Grains that are especially high in zinc include amaranth, quinoa, and spelling.
However, other whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, and oats also provide a good amount of this mineral.
Fruits And Vegetables
Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. Approximately 1 mg is included in each large potato, whether it be sweet or normal. Other foods, such as kale and green beans, have lower amounts of zinc.
Dark Chocolate
Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, but is especially abundant in dark chocolate. Just one ounce of dark chocolate contains about 7% of the recommended daily intake for zinc.
While dark chocolate is a great source of zinc, it is important to remember that it also contains fat and sugar. To maintain a healthy diet, it should therefore be consumed in moderation.
Potential Side Effects Of Zinc
Although zinc is an important nutrient, too much can cause side effects.
Common side effects of zinc include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Weakened immune system
It’s critical to get medical assistance right away if you suffer any of these negative effects.
Recommended Dosage Of Zinc For A Healthy Life
The recommended daily dosage of zinc depends on your age and gender. 8–11 mg for women and 11–14 mg for males are the recommended daily doses for adults. These dosages increase for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
While you can get zinc from food sources, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, you can also take supplements to ensure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zinc is a vital mineral for human health. It is involved in many biochemical processes, including DNA synthesis, cell division, and wound healing.
A zinc deficiency can cause a variety of health problems, including diarrhea, impotence, and hair loss. Supplementing with zinc can help prevent these problems and promote a healthy life.
Though you need to consult your healthcare provider before you consume any supplements to keep the side effects at bay.