Most people know that zinc plays a big part in supporting the immune system, albeit the matter might still remain a mystery to you, but the good word is enough to encourage you to consider taking zinc supplements.
While it is true that getting zinc from foods is better than getting it from a bottle, oftentimes, it is hard to gain daily requirements through food substances. In which case, if you’re looking towards supplements now, we’re here to guide you through all you need to know about zinc supplements.
How Is Zinc Beneficial for Your Health?
Other than the essential role zinc plays in supporting immunity, it is also a useful resource that aids in activating more than 300 enzymes that help with healthy digestion, metabolism, and nerve function. Zinc is also helpful in supporting the health of your brain and exists in high quantity in the human brain, more than any other organ in the body.
Another job for zinc is helping the human body to heal. It is also needed for the growth of a cell, repairing a cell membrane, and the up-keeping of healthy skin.
Zinc is used in many different processes taking place in your body that include:
- Gene expression
- Protein synthesis
- DNA synthesis
- Growth and development
The Disadvantages of Not Taking Zinc Supplements
Zinc can have a negative impact on your appetite, as well as your senses. It is said that the side effects of having insufficient levels of zinc in the body are diminished smell and taste, and it may also have a major effect on your appeal for food. Many researchers have also uncovered the correlation between zinc deficiency and increased oxidative stress.
Best Food Sources of Zinc
Zinc can be obtained from both plant and animal-based foods, unlike nutrients like Vitamin D, which are much harder to find. Proteins such as pork, crab, beef, lobster, oysters, etc., boast high levels of the substance. Plant sources include pumpkin seeds, cashews, lentils, oatmeal, vegetarian baked seeds, sesame seeds, chickpeas. Plant-based foods are also zinc-fortified and can provide a healthy dose of zinc, an example of which would be cereal.
If You’re Looking For Supplements…
There are many different types of zinc supplements that can be found easily, such as acetate, zinc gluconate, citrate, picolinate, etc. The mineral can also be found in other forms that include capsules, lozenges, and drops.