The importance of zinc
One of the most important building blocks of the human body
Zinc is a very important mineral that is used for many body processes. After all, there are about 300 different enzymes in our body that depend on this mineral. In addition, there are about 3000 proteins in our body, the majority of which consist of zinc. The strongest muscles in our body contain zinc. In addition, high concentrations of the mineral are found in red and white blood cells, the retina, the skin, the liver, the kidneys, the bones, and the pancreas. In men, a high concentration of zinc is found in the prostate and sperm.
The recommended daily amount of zinc
Zinc is widely used by our body, but not stored. That is why it is very important that we get enough zinc on a regular basis. When you have a varied and healthy diet, this will not be a problem. Foods such as grain products, beans, meat, fish, nuts, dairy products, whole grains, and whole grains are a rich source of zinc.
The symptoms of zinc deficiency
The moment there is a day when you do not get enough zinc, there is no immediate danger. The body does have a spare stock that it can use, but this stock is relatively small.
Because zinc is an important part of many processes in the body, there are also quite a few symptoms that can indicate a zinc deficiency. The main symptoms are fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea, weight loss, skin changes, low blood pressure, slowed growth, loss of smell, taste, and appetite.
Health benefits of zinc
In addition to the symptoms of zinc deficiency, this mineral is also credited with some very important health benefits. After all, zinc is a very important mineral for your health. Let’s list some of the key health benefits of zinc:
Zinc is good for the skin. The mineral stimulates the white blood cells, which in turn stimulate a healing process and have protective value. Zinc is also an important mineral for the production of collagen. This is a connective tissue that is important for repair and renewal of the skin. So zinc also works well against acne and eczema.
Zinc is often used in the treatment of diseases of the prostate. After all, with a zinc deficiency, there is a chance of prostate enlargement with a chance of unpleasant consequences.
Zinc plays an important role in mental functioning and in combination with a small amount of vitamin B6 ensures the proper functioning of neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are responsible for communication between the brain and the body. In addition, there is a large amount of zinc in the hippocampus. This is the brain part that affects our thinking and our memory, so our cognitive functions.
Zinc has a great influence on the development of the taste buds and the sense of smell. These senses work much more efficiently if enough zinc is available.
Because zinc stimulates the production of white blood cells, this also has an effect on the immune system. Various infections can be combated preventively. In addition, zinc will also reduce the effect of cytokines. This is a molecule that plays a role in the flu and colds and can cause new infections. If your zinc level is up, you will be much less susceptible to mild illnesses like flu and colds and will recover much faster.
Zinc is an important part of many diet programs. This is because the mineral affects the hormone Ghrelin. This hormone plays an important role in our appetite and forces our body to eat something. Zinc has therefore long been seen as an important mineral that must be used to avoid the need for frequent eating.
Zinc is an essential mineral in the formation, functioning, and repair of DNA, and very important for pregnant women. Zinc is essential for many processes that take place during pregnancy. In addition, zinc is important in women for their fertile period, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
Zinc is also very important for men. The mineral plays an important role in the formation of sperm (in the consumption of energy before and during the fertilization of the egg) and in the development of the male’s sexual organs.
Zinc is one of the substances that defend us against many diseases. This is because zinc is an antioxidant. An antioxidant will track down and harm the potentially dangerous free radicals in our body. This is important because free radicals are able to damage the DNA of healthy cells in our body and turn them into pathogenic cells.
Zinc works against chronic fatigue. This is because zinc has a major influence on muscle functions. When there is chronic fatigue, muscle fatigue is often an important cause. Zinc has a positive effect on the energy content of the muscles.
Finally, it is good to mention that zinc is an important part of hydroxyapatite. This is a form of salt that is important for the development of strong bones.
So there are many important health benefits of zinc. In addition to these important health benefits, it is good to know that zinc is an essential part of the formation of enzymes that contribute to cell growth, protein synthesis, hormone balance, and other body processes and functions. These processes cannot take place with a shortage of zinc. This can have major health consequences.
Zinc supplements
So zinc is an indispensable mineral in the body. In most cases, a healthy diet is sufficient to get enough zinc. Since many people consume a lot of processed food, it might be wise to take a zinc supplement. Of course, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor.
Stay healthy!
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