What is Zinc?
Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. What foods provide Zinc? Zinc is found in a wide variety of foods. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. Zinc absorption is greater from a diet high in animal protein than a diet rich in plant proteins. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, can decrease zinc absorption. What is the Recommended D
Zinc is a metallic chemical element found in reasonable abundance around the world. It is classified in the transition metals, along with nickel and mercury, among others. The metal is used in a variety of alloys and compounds which have a range of uses, from sunscreen to fine art. Living organisms also rely on zinc as a valuable nutritional trace element; many foods are excellent sources of zinc, including seeds and whole grains. Pure zinc is a bluish white, lustrous metal. It is extremely brittle at average room temperature, although when it is heated it becomes soft, malleable, and easily worked. When zinc is burned, it yields a bright blue to green flame, and the metal is reactive, combining readily with an assortment of other elements. On the periodic table of elements, zinc is identified with the symbol Zn, and the metal has an atomic number of 30. Humans have been using zinc for thousands of years; the element was used extensively in India in particular. Around the 1500s, zinc b
When you think of zinc, you probably picture a shelf full of cold remedies at the drugstore. But zinc actually protects against much more than sniffles and sneezes. It’s a mineral you need (in small amounts) for overall good health, and it’s found in every cell of your body. back to top Why do I need zinc? Zinc is involved in a wide range of body processes, from cell formation to sexual function to your sense of smell and taste. You need zinc for healthy growth and wound healing, as well to keep your brain working well and to boost your body’s ability to fight off illness. People who don’t get enough zinc may get sick more easily, have a poor appetite, or develop skin problems such as acne and eczema, among other things. On the other hand, people who get too much zinc may damage their body’s ability to fight off infection. When it comes to zinc, a little goes a long way. back to top Do zinc lozenges work for colds? Not long ago people rushed to buy zinc lozenges to fight off colds. One
Zinc comes in several forms. It is known by the following names, zinc amino acid chelate, zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc chloride. Typically supplementation is in the form of zinc sulfate. The dietary sources for zinc are typically among natural, unprocessed foods. Zinc is available in both plant and animal dietary sources. It is more readily absorbed from animal sources than plant sources. The best sources for this mineral are meat and other protein rich foods. Seafood is an excellent dietary source of zinc. Whole grain breads, cereals and dried beans are also fantastic sources of zinc.
