Zinc Health Benefits
The health benefits of zinc include a proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, controlled diabetes, reduction in stress levels, improved metabolism, and an increased rate of healing for acne and wounds. Also, it is helpful in terms of pregnancy, hair care, eczema, weight loss, night blindness, cold, eye care, appetite loss, and many other conditions
Zinc Deficiency Symptoms
- Growth retardation
- Low blood pressure
- Retarded bone growth
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of smell and taste senses
- Depression
- Rough skin/Pale Skin
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- White spots under fingernails
Health Benefits of Zinc
The most important health benefits of this important mineral are listed below.
Treats Cold
Zinc supplements help in decreasing the severity and duration of cold and other mild illnesses. This mineral reduces the number of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which aggravate the body during cold or other infections. Also, its ability to stimulate white blood cell activity makes it ideal for reducing colds and infections. It helps in protecting against infectious disorders and fungal infections, which include pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Weight loss
Zinc plays a leading role in weight loss for obese individuals. A number of studies have connected it with a decrease in appetite, which prevents overeating. This is related to zinc’s manipulation of the ghrelin hormone, which tells the body when it wants to eat.
Boosts Reproductive Health
Zinc is essential for the repair and functioning of DNA. It is essential for rapid growth of cells and for the building of major constituents of the cell over the course of a pregnancy. The enormous development and enzymatic activity that takes place during pregnancy make it one of the most important nutrients for infants and mothers.
Regulates Cell Growth
Zinc is an essential component in a number of enzymes that help in regulating cell growth, protein synthesis, hormonal levels, DNA, gene transcription, energy metabolism, and other related functions.
Prevents Cancer
In males, zinc plays a vital role in the prostate gland and prevents premature damage or strain, which can lead to problems like cancer.The natural antioxidant properties of this mineral mean that it actively seeks out free radicals, the hazardous by-products of cell metabolism that can cause a number of diseases. Free radicals can morph normal cells into cancerous cells by breaking down their DNA integrity so the elimination of free radicals by antioxidants is one of the most vital lines of defense against many kinds of cancer.
Controls Bone Loss
This is a condition when the bones become weak and fragile. This mineral is a component of hydroxyapatite, which is a salt that makes the bone matrix strong and hard. For this reason, zinc should be added to your dietary plan to avoid bone loss, particularly as you get older or if you show any signs of premature aging or osteoporosis.
Treats Night Blindness
Consuming about 150-450 mg zinc will help to improve your vision. Therefore, it is always recommended to consume food like beef, lamb, oysters, buckwheat, and crabs, as they are hoarded with this mineral and will improve your ability to see. It is particularly helpful for those suffering from night blindness. Vitamin A, which is an essential part of improving night vision, stimulates certain enzymes that cannot function without zinc, therefore making it a necessary element in reducing night blindness.
