The health benefits of Zinc- why you should be eating a diet rich in this amazing micronutrient

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Posted on March 12, 2013 by Jenny Cromack

The health benefits of Zinc- why you should be eating a diet rich in this amazing micronutrient

Zinc is so important because its found in every tissue of the body and is directly involved in cell division, its a powerful antioxidant and is directly involved in proper endocrine function and therefore the maintenance of hormone levels.

Groups effected by zinc deficiencies and symptoms?

Zinc is found in large quantities in meat, some seafood like oysters and dairy. Wholegrains and legumes contain zinc however they are bound to phytates making the zinc inaccessible by the body so don’t be fooled.  Low zinc leads to an altered sense of taste and commonly involves cravings for salty, sweeter foods.  Common symptoms of low zinc and its effects are listed below involve:

  • Diarrhea
  • Low energy
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Infertility
  • Poor immunity
  • Inability to maintain focus
  • Slow wound healing

So if that wasn’t enough here are the top 3 reasons you should be increasing your zinc intake:

  1. Improved strength– without sufficient zinc proper anabolic hormone production will be hindered, research has shown that having sufficient zinc in the body allows for the more efficient release of testosterone, human growth hormone and insulin like growth factor 1 (igf1)

 

  1. Supports reproductive health and fertility of both males and females–  Low testosterone in men is commonly correlated with low zinc levels,  the male prostate cells require ten times more zinc than any cell know to man. Adequate zinc has been shown to assist good cell division particularly in the prostate lowering the risk of developing some cancers. In females zinc is involved in the growth process of the  oocyte (egg), research has shown that zinc deficiency’s in females will  inhibit the maturity of the egg  and cause infertility .

 

  1. Improve cardiovascular health– Zinc is vital in the maintenance of endothelium ( the thin layer of cells that lines blood vessels, low zinc has been shown to cause a deficiency in the endothelium barrier which leads to high cholesterol build up and inflammation.

 

Other benefits include:

  • Prevention of some cancers and boost immune function
  • Can help prevent diabetes
  • Helps prevent Alzheimer’s and detoxs the brain of heavy metals
  • Elevates mood and helps avoid depression