Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in many bodily functions. It is involved in the immune response, wound healing, and protein synthesis, among other things. zinc also has antioxidant properties and can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. As we age and go through different stages of our life from birth to teenagers to young adult and into mature stages the amount of zinc we require chances according to modern research.1
Despite its importance, zinc is not found in large quantities in the human body. In fact, the average adult only contains about 2-3 grams of zinc. This means that we need to obtain zinc from our diet in order to maintain optimal health.
Zinc Improves Immunity
Zinc is an essential mineral that is vital to the health and function of the body. zinc plays a key role in many bodily processes, including the immune response, wound healing, and protein synthesis. zinc also has antioxidant properties which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Despite its importance, zinc is not found in large quantities in the human body. In fact, the average adult only contains about 2-3 grams of zinc. This means that we need to obtain zinc from our diet in order to maintain optimal health.
Zinc is Essential for Immune System Functioning
One of the most important roles of zinc is its involvement in immune system functioning. zinc aids in the production and activation of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection and disease. It also helps to regulate cytokine production, which is necessary for proper immune response. Zinc deficiency has been linked with increased rates of infection and poor wound healing.2
Zinc Keeps You Healthy and Lengthens Your Life
Overall, zinc is an essential mineral with many important functions in the body. Ensuring you have enough zinc through your diet can help keep you healthy and may even lengthen your life span. Zinc is found in a large amount of foods but some of them are more bioavailable than others and supplements are not always the best way to go about boosting your Zinc levels as they can be toxic in large amounts.
Here are 12 of the best dietary sources of zinc3
- 1. Oysters are a type of shellfish that is often considered a delicacy. They are also one of the best sources of zinc, with a 3-ounce serving providing 497% of the RDI.
- 2. Crab is another seafood option that is high in zinc. A 3-ounce serving of crab meat provides 26% of the RDI.
- 3. Lobster is yet another zinc-rich seafood option. A 3-ounce serving provides 16% of the RDI.
- 4. Baked Beans are a popular food in many parts of the world. They are also a good source of zinc, with one cup providing 10% of the RDI.
- 5. Cashews are a type of nut that is often consumed as a snack food. They are also a good source of zinc, with one ounce providing 7% of the RDI.
- 6. Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that is popular in many cuisines. They are also a good source of zinc, with one cup providing 6% of the RDI.
- 7. Beef is a popular type of red meat that is often consumed as part of a balanced diet. It is also a good source of zinc, with 3 ounces providing 5% of the RDI.
- 8. Lamb is another type of red meat that is a good source of zinc. A 3-ounce serving provides 4% of the RDI.
- 9. Pumpkin Seeds are a popular type of seed that is often consumed as a snack food. They are also a good source of zinc, with one ounce providing 4% of the RDI.
- 10. Chicken is a popular type of poultry that is often consumed as part of a healthy diet. It is also a good source of zinc, with 3 ounces providing 3% of the RDI.
- 11. Eggs are a versatile food that can be used in many different dishes. They are also a good source of zinc, with one large egg providing 2% of the RDI.
- 12. Yogurt is a type of fermented dairy product that is popular in many parts of the world. It is also a good source of zinc, with one cup providing 2% of the RDI.
Zinc is an essential mineral with many important functions in the human body. While we only need a small amount of zinc, it is still important to make sure that we are getting enough from our diet.
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