Zinc
Zinc Benefits
Supports The Immune System
According to research, we need to consume zinc because it helps activate the T lymphocytes (T cells) in the body.[r104] T cells help regulate immune responses better along with preparing our immune system to combat the external pathogens infecting the body. A deficiency of zinc can make our body susceptible to a wide variety of viruses.[r103]
Helps Prevent and Treat Digestive Problems
Research has shown promising results of zinc intake in controlling and treating diarrhea in children.[r102] The research was carried out in Bangladesh and confirmed that completing a 10-day course of zinc helped effectively treat the condition while also preventing such conditions from happening in the future.
Acts as a Catalyst in Wound Healing
One of the top benefits of zinc includes its important role in the synthesis of collagen. Zinc helps boost the immune system and improves the inflammatory response; thus, zinc is essential for quick and proper healing.
Due to this amazing benefit to our body, it is widely used in hospitals for treating ulcers, burns, or other serious injuries related to skin.[r101] A deficiency of zinc might render us with slow and improper wound healing.
Helpful For Treating Acne
According to research, about 5% of the zinc of our body is found in the skin, which is why people who develop acne are found to have relatively decreased levels of zinc in their bodies.[r100] [r99] Acne is a skin condition wherein the oil-producing glands overwork, and the skin is ridden with bacteria or inflammation.
Topical or oral treatments of zinc are found to be effective in curbing this skin condition as it helps reduce bacterial growth and suppresses hyperactivity of oil-producing glands.
An Excellent Antioxidant For Our Body
Oxidative stress is not good for our body. It leads to chronic conditions and illnesses, such as heart disease or even cancer. Intake of zinc plays an important role in decreasing the number of inflammatory proteins in our body. Zinc is found to have amazing antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammations and thus help protect our heart from chronic illness.[r98]
Daily Intake For Zinc
Healthy Foods High In Zinc
- All food nutrient profiles are based on a weight of 100 grams.
- * RDI values are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day (Female, Age 19-30).
- All foods are vegetarian.
Sources
- r132. nutritiondata.self.com
- r106. Designing hydrolytic zinc metalloenzymes
- r105. Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Growth Outcomes in Children under 5 Years of Age
- r104. Zinc signals promote IL-2-dependent proliferation of T cells
- r103. Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection
- r102. Impact Monitoring of the National Scale-Up of Zinc Treatment for Childhood Diarrhea in Bangladesh: Repeat Ecologic Surveys
- r101. Pressure ulcers: Current understanding and newer modalities of treatment
- r100. Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation
- r99. Correlation between the Severity and Type of Acne Lesions with Serum Zinc Levels in Patients with Acne Vulgaris
- r98. Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent