Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is an integral part of all cells in the body. Of the trace minerals, its concentration is second only to iron.
Know Your Nutrient:
- Zinc helps in cell division and cell growth thus plays an important role in pregnancy.
- It plays a vital role in maintaining hair, skin, eye health, male fertility and helps in wound healing.
- It helps in building a strong immune system, prevents colds and allergies.
- It aids the synthesis of insulin thus helps in achieving good glycemic control in Diabetes.
Zinc deficiency may manifest as frequent diarrhoea, hair loss, skin problems, loss of appetite, frequent illness, foggy thinking, and impotence. Deficiency occurs due to inadequate oral food intake, malabsorption in certain gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s Disease/ Short Bowel Syndrome, and increased alcohol intake.
Zinc Friendly Foods:
The best sources of Zinc are usually high protein foods.
Meat, Fish, Poultry: Oysters, meat, fish, eggs.
Dairy: Milk, cheese.
Nuts and Seeds: pine nuts, cashews, almonds, hemp, pumpkin, and sesame seeds.
Others: Dark Chocolate.
Cereals and Legumes: unpolished cereals, whole legumes provide some amounts of zinc, however, they contain anti-nutrient agents called phytates that bind to zinc, reducing its absorption, which can be negated by cooking.
So turn up your Zinc and improve your body’s mettle for all its worth!
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