Zinc is considered one of the most important minerals required by the body to maintain health. Zinc is found in the body’s tissues, teeth, bone and even the pancreas. In fact, while small amounts of zinc are found in the body tissues, large supplies of the mineral can be found in throughout the bone. But, what are the health benefits of zinc and why does a person need zinc to keep healthy?
Benefits of Zinc
Below are the top five health benefits of zinc. There are a number of other benefits which will be discussed, but the mineral is best known for the following:
- Zinc helps improve the immune system
- Zinc speeds up the healing process of the skin affected by diseases, eczema, ulcers and acne
- Zinc helps with the sexual maturation process and growth
- Zinc is an effective treatment for the common cold, sore throat or chronic ear infections
- Zinc is used among athletes to improve strength and performance, as well as energy enhancement
Zinc is receiving a lot of exposure in today’s research studies associated with aging and dementia. Doctors report that increased doses of zinc should be given to Alzheimer’s patients in an effort to delay the onset of the disease. More and more assisted living and nursing home administrators recommend dietary needs for the elderly to contain adequate supplies of zinc in the food.
Zinc compounds are currently on the market for the treatment of eye infections and eye irritations. Manufacturers of eye irritation products utilize zinc in the ointments because of the mineral’s healing properties. Eye irritations may include allergies, eye lid injuries, and other ailments.
A variation of the mineral, zinc citrate, is used in a wide variety of toothpastes, mouthwashes and rinses, to assist with the war against gingivitis and dental decay. Dentist are beginning to make note of the mineral’s benefits in terms of teeth care and endorsing zinc citrate in their recommended products that work to prevent plaque. The acidic make-up of zinc citrate actually dissolves the plaque off of teeth.
Another benefit of zinc is its unique ability to transport vitamin A to the retina of the eye. This makes for healthy eyes and good eyesight. Eye doctors are recommending vitamins to patients that contain zinc to maintain eyesight. Cataract patients take healthy doses of zinc to improve eye health both before and after surgery.
Good Food Sources for Zinc
Taking multiple vitamins provides a healthy amount of zinc required by the body, but the mineral can also be obtained in food. Most people acquire zinc through foods like vegetables, nuts, whole grain cereal, whole wheat bread, shrimp, cheese, fish and lean meats. In vegetables and plant sources the level of zinc is relatively low, but in animal sources the levels of the mineral are high.
Even a trace amount of zinc can be utilized by the body and provides health benefits for those taking the mineral. While it is important to eat a balanced diet each and every day, an extra dose of zinc-containing foods won’t hurt.
