Benefits Of Zinc
August 4, 2009
Zinc is an important mineral needed by our body. This trace element is present in your liver, pancreas, skin, bones and eyes. Zinc is needed for the secretion of certain enzymes and in the performance of various body functions.
Fights infection
Zinc is needed to build a healthy immune system. According to a recent University of Florida study, besides promoting our immunity, zinc helps to activate the T cells, which kill bacteria and virus that invade our body. Researchers believe that zinc could be used to treat infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. Zinc supplements could be beneficial for reducing the duration of lower respiratory tract infections and malaria.
Treats childhood diarrhea
Studies have shown that zinc supplements could be used for treating diarrhea in children over six months old. In developing countries, diarrhea is a common cause of child mortality. Zinc helps to strengthen the immune system and the gastrointestinal health of children. Children suffering from diarrhea should be given zinc rich foods and zinc supplements along with oral rehydration salts.
Prevents cancer
According to researchers, oral and esophageal cancers could develop from zinc deficiency. Studies have found that lack of dietary zinc promotes cell proliferation in the tongue and esophagus. When these areas were exposed to a carcinogen, the chances of developing oral and esophageal cancers increased manifold. To prevent oral and esophageal cancer, one must consume adequate amount of zinc, through food and supplements.
Good for men
Zinc is beneficial for the sexual health of men. It helps to normalize the level of testosterone in the body. Zinc also promotes sperm count and motility. It is believed that zinc could prevent prostate infection, prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
Good for women
Zinc is also good for women. Adequate zinc intake during pregnancy prevents the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight in infants. By stimulating progesterone secretion, zinc could help to treat premenstrual syndrome.
Sources of zinc
The best sources of zinc are seafood, including shellfish and oyster, whole grains, pine nuts and pecan nuts. Fish, red meat, egg, cashew nut, parmesan cheese and liver also contain moderate amounts of zinc. A healthy adult requires between 15 to 20mg of zinc every day. However, a pregnant or lactating woman would need greater amount of this mineral.
Zinc is a very important trace mineral for the body. Deficiency in this mineral can only be bad. You don’t need it as much as carbohydrates since it is only needed in small amounts, however it cannot be totally absent as well. Thank you for sharing all these information about this essential trace mineral.