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Zinc
Lately zinc has taken the spotlight as a mineral commonly deficient in
the modern Western diet. The results of this deficiency have ranged from
lack of taste and smell to cancer.
For those concerned with weight loss, it appears that zinc helps nornialize an excessive appetite in some people in spite of the fact that it improves
the taste of food. It also aids vitamin A in being used by the body and
participates in the functioning of at least 80 enzyme systems that govern all
the activities of our body.
And what else?
It operates as another free-radical
scavenger (like vitamin E) which helps prevent aging and general cell
damage.
Remember that zinc is only needed in small amounts in the body. The
only other “trace” mineral in greater quantity is iron. Loss of this important
mineral can be caused by blood loss, prolonged intravenous feeding,
infection, inflammation, injury and surgery.
Zinc is very important to the male. just as iron is important to the female.
The prostate gland stores large amounts but high concentrations are also
within the retina of the eye. Some have literally seen improvement in their
color-blindness. But it also assists in the proper calcification of the bones
and cartilage.
Disorders like skin problems. hypogonadism and dwarfism are probably
zinc-involved. In fact, zinc compounds are often used in skin creams for
healing sores or burns.
Increased zinc intake is indicated for pregnant women. for prostate aches
and pains, serious wounds or skin problems and overdoses of copper
which drives zinc out of the body.
But other minerals like iron can also
compete with zinc absorption.
Another possible indication for increasing your zinc intake is body odor.
“Take zinc and don’t stink” is not a bad idea. as long as it works for you. Yes,
this important trace mineral is truly ama—zinc!
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The body needs zinc to carry out normal metabolism and ensure the proper function of the reproductive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
Foods high in zinc include animal products, such as meat, shellfish, chicken, and fortified breakfast cereal. However, beans, nuts, and seeds also contain zinc. Phytates in vegetables and grains can reduce the absorption of zinc and, therefore, vegetarians and vegans may need 50% more zinc in their diet.
Deficiency in zinc has associations with delayed growth in children, as well as increased risk of infection. It is also a significant risk factor for the development of pneumonia, which can be a consequence of COVID-19.
“According to the current estimates, the risk of zinc deficiency is observed in more than 1.5 billion people in the world,” explains lead author of the review Prof. Anatoly Skalny, who heads the Laboratory of Molecular Dietetics at Sechenov University. Together with colleagues in Russia, Germany, Greece, Norway, and the United States, Professor Skalny put together a review of the scientific evidence on zinc’s role in preventing and treating respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
The most important benefits of zinc are for:
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