The Proven Health Benefits of Zinc

Did you know that Zinc is one of the most essential minerals for our health? It plays a role in many different bodily functions, and helps keep us healthy on a cellular level. In this article, we will discuss the many benefits of zinc and how it can help improve our health. We’ll also cover some food sources of zinc that you can add to your diet!

What Is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential nutrient that is important for many different bodily functions, including cell growth, immune function, and wound healing. Zinc also helps us to metabolize food and keep our senses of taste and smell working properly.

Zinc is an important mineral that is needed for our bodies to function. Zinc is not naturally produced by our bodies, so we must get Zinc through food or supplementation.

7 Health Benefits of Zinc

The benefits of zinc are numerous. Here are the top 7 health benefits of Zinc.

Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system

Zinc helps to fight off infection and bacteria, and can even help to shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Using Zinc supplements can assist in stimulating immune cells and reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, Zinc helps to regulate many different aspects of the immune system and plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome (the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract). There are also studies showing that Zinc can help with the common cold by reducing the duration of symptoms, so if you feel a cold coming on it may be worth trying out some Zinc supplements.

Zinc is necessary for cell growth and division

This means that it is important for wound healing and tissue repair.  It is also essential for growth and development in children. Cell growth and division is one of the most rapid processes in our body and requires a lot of Zinc.

Zinc is necessary for cognitive function

Zinc is important for cognitive health, including thinking, learning and memory. It helps to maintain synaptic plasticity (the ability of neurons to form new connections) and supports nerve cell health. Adequate levels of Zinc are crucial to keep your mind sharp, especially as you age.

Zinc benefits skin health and prevents acne

Zinc can help heal wounds quickly, strengthen the skin against free radicals, and reduce inflammation. In several studies, Zinc benefits were shown to be equal or better than medications used to treat acne. Adding just 30 mg of Zinc per day was effective in decreasing symptoms of acne.

To assist with skin health and prevention of acne, Zinc can be taken orally or applied topically.

Zinc helps us to metabolize our food

Metabolizing food is important for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Zinc helps us to process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the food we eat. Metabolizing our food is necessary for energy and overall health.

Zinc keeps your sense of smell and taste sharp

Zinc is needed for proper functioning of the cells that line your nose in order to keep your sense of smell and taste working properly. Zinc helps our sense of smell and taste by keeping our taste buds healthy and preventing the formation of bad odors.

Zinc helps to decrease inflammation

Zinc can assist in decreasing inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress. Decreasing your inflammation levels can help improve your overall health. Increased inflammation levels can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases.

Food Sources Of Zinc

You can get Zinc from food! There are many foods that are high in Zinc. Here are some good food sources of Zinc:

• Beef
• Lamb
• Oysters
• Crab
• Lobster
• Turkey
• Pork chops
• Chicken breast
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Swiss chard
• Spinach

Many packaged foods do not naturally contain Zinc, so food manufacturers often add Zinc to increase the nutritional value of packaged foods. Even though many packaged foods may contain Zinc additives, it is still advised to choose whole foods as a more quality way to consume your needed Zinc. 

Zinc Supplementation

If you aren’t getting enough Zinc through food, you may consider adding a Zinc supplement to your health regimen.

Further Food’s Ultimate Immune Support contains 27 of nature’s most potent immune-boosting ingredients, including Zinc. This supplement can be taken on a daily basis. Ultimate Immune Support contains the highest levels of Vitamins C, D & Zinc, helping you to get multiple benefits from just one supplement.

Ultimate Immune Support is one of the best Zinc supplementation options as it contains no preservatives or artificial flavors and was formulated by a doctor.

When choosing a Zinc supplement, be sure to keep the following criteria in mind:

• Choose a supplement that contains no artificial flavors
• Choose a supplement that contains no preservatives
• Choose a supplement that is in a form you desire (liquid, pill, capsule, etc.)
• Consider the dosage

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Zinc?

Some benefits of zinc include healthy skin, hair and nails, a strong immune system, better digestion and reduced inflammation.

How does Zinc play a role in our body?

Zinc is essential for over 300 enzymatic reactions in our bodies.  It is required for the proper function of our immune system, reproductive system, senses and overall growth and development.

Where can I find food sources of Zinc?

Some good food sources of zinc include oysters, beef liver, crab meat, pumpkin seeds and milk.

Is it okay to take Zinc everyday?

It is recommended to take Zinc supplements daily.  However, it’s important to speak with your doctor first before taking any supplements.

How much Zinc do I need?

The recommended daily intake of Zinc is 11 mg for women and 12 mg for men. However, pregnant women need more zinc and those who are breastfeeding need even more. Consult a healthcare professional to determine how much Zinc you need if you fall into one of these categories.

Bottom Line

Now that you understand the importance of Zinc, it’s time to make sure you’re getting enough through your diet and, if necessary, supplementation. If you choose to supplement, we would recommend Ultimate Immune Support.

Want to learn more:
How Andrographis Benefits Your Immune System 

Natural Ways to Boost the Immune System from an Herbalist

60 Anti-Aging Recipes: Your Ultimate Anti-Aging Guide

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28515951/ 
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20510767/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413488/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281654/ 
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23305423/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5584546/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10801966/#:~:text=Zinc%20participates%20in%20the%20regulation,influence%20cell%20division%20and%20proliferation.&text=Zinc%20appears%20to%20be%20essential,of%20regulation%20is%20postreceptor%20binding.