November 1, 2017
Seven Facts About Zinc
ZINC has many important functions and potential uses. Its deficiency or depletion can cause a variety of symptoms. It is important in normal growth and development, the maintenance of body tissues, sexual function, the immune system, and detoxification of chemicals and metabolic irritants. It is of great significance to have this mineral in our diet.
- Zinc is a trace mineral; which means it is found in the body in small amounts, only about 2.0 to 2.5 grams total.
- The zinc in animal foods seems to be better absorbed than that in the vegetable sources, but one can reduce meat foods and eat whole grains and beans and still obtain adequate zinc..
- Zinc supports the immune system; it improves antibody response to vaccines and helps to regulate the function of the white blood cells. In fact, zinc has antioxidant functions.
- This mineral is important for normal insulin activity and is also related to normal taste sensation.
- Zinc is important for male sex organ function and reproductive fluids. It is in high concentration in the prostate as well as in the eyes, liver and muscle tissues.
- When foods are processed, as in the refining of grains, much of the zinc is lost, along with other minerals like manganese, chromium, molybdenum and B vitamins.
- Oysters are particularly high in zinc. With more than ten times as much as other sources. We can find it in red meats (beef, lamb and pork) and liver. Whole grains (rye, oats); pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginger roots, mustard, and black pepper.
