More than we are aware, Zinc plays an important role in the proper functioning of several of our body parts.
- Role in Immune Function: Zinc has a very quick and visible effect on the immune status of the body. A diet low in zinc can lower your immunity in as less as seven days. The good point here is that the effects are as quickly reversible. Adding zinc immediately to the diet restores immunity as quickly as it went down. Zinc aids the production of more than 100 enzymes and keeps the body away from sickness and decay.
- Role of Zinc in skin: Zinc is excellent for the skin. It helps soothe skin irritations and brings down inflammations. No wonder zinc oxide is a common ingredient in several skincare products. The most noticeable effect of zinc is seen on acne. Clearing a zit with a cream containing zinc is the easiest way out! Not only that, but Zinc also helps protect the skin against the harmful UV rays making it a popular ingredient in sunscreens.
- Role of Zinc in Taste and Appetite: The ability to appreciate the substances we taste and improve our appetite is enhanced by the intake of zinc. The deficiency of zinc leads to loss of taste sensibilities and loss of appetite. Such chronic deficiency is rare and happens only secondary to serious conditions like cancer.
- Zinc and Reproductive Health: Zinc is responsible for the sperm being healthy and mobile. Diets deficient in Zinc can cause infertility problems due to the low quality of sperms produced. Zinc enhances the production of testosterone in males and lessens the severity of PMS in women.
- Zinc and Gym Results: Zinc is a must for developing muscles as athletes have. It plays a primary role in anabolic hormone production. An adequate amount of zinc in the diet allows a better release of growth hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor I- the hormones necessary to build the muscles and give you that pumped-up look.
Sources of Zinc: Zinc is found abundantly in meat including beef, lamb, and also salmon. Shellfish like crabs and lobsters are also rich natural sources of zinc. Nuts like almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are the vegetarian options for zinc intake.
“Zinc is an underrated mineral. The importance of zinc in maintaining good health is huge. Unfortunately only when we miss out on zinc do we realize its importance.”
