Zinc Rich Foods List In India | Zinc Health Benefits
The human body is a well-oiled machine, working long hours uninterruptedly, in every season. It does not winch under the brutal onslaught of fate and climate. Like soldiers on a well-trained and disciplined system. However, there is a whole lot of effort that goes on behind the scene to keep this intricate work of art moving. Intrinsic to it is the fuel that helps it run.
The nutrients that fire up the engines of life, the organs, are sacrosanct to its functioning. It then becomes imperative for us to maintain a steady supply of such, in order to keep ourselves fit. A healthy body is, in fact, a manifestation of all the good things that are fed to it. One such component is Zinc and in this article, we are going to discuss, at length, how it affects the human body and what are the best zinc-rich foods available in India.
The Role Of Zinc In Our Body
It is important to know that zinc is not produced naturally by the human body. Hence it has to be supplemented through the intake of a proper diet. Zinc is an essential cog in the wheel to facilitate numerous biological processes such as synthesis of protein, healing wounds and cuts, DNA synthesis, building up immunity and overall growth and development of the body.
One would be surprised to know that Zinc is the second most abundant mineral found in the human body, right after Iron. And there are reasons which make it a vital component.
Zinc helps in the daily activities of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion and nerve functions among other processes.
The immune cells which act as a barrier against diseases ow their vitality to the presence of Zinc. You ow your glowing skin to the adequate presence of Zinc in the body as well as DNA synthesis and the production of protein.
Hence, the overall growth and development of a human body rely a whole lot on the presence of zinc, since cell growth and division which are the primary processes are dependent on it.
Another important function of Zinc is its role in facilitating smell and taste. One of the enzymes which are crucial for this function depends on the presence of Zinc in the body.
Now we know the functions of Zinc. There are numerous benefits that Zinc orchestrates in order for the body to function effectively.
Zinc Health Benefits
Boosts the Immune System
A weak body will attract the gravest of diseases and without a proper wall of protection, the body will succumb. The immune system acts as the protective wall, shielding the human body against such calamities. Zinc helps keep the immune system strong. Different studies have shown that a supplement of 80 to 92 mg per day of Zinc reduces the common cold by up to 30%.
In older adults, Zinc reduces the risk of infections and promotes better immunity.
Helps accelerate healing of wounds
If you have ever been on the wrong end of an accident, you would have experienced treatment using medicines containing Zinc. It is an effective mechanism used to treat burns, ulcers and other skin injuries. The main reason why Zinc is used for the purpose is that it helps in collagen synthesis. It also plays a critical role in stabilising and improving immunity and response to inflammation. All these lead to proper healing.
You would be astonished to know that the skin is one of the largest repositories of Zinc, in the human body. It holds up to 5% of the whole Zinc content available for proper functioning.
A 12-week study in the US on a group of 60, suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, 200 mg of Zinc per day dosage was provided to one set. The one which received such a dosage showed a greater reduction in the size of the ulcer compared to the ones who weren’t.
Deaccelerates age-related diseases
Zinc significantly reduces the risk of several age-related diseases particularly pneumonia, infections and muscular degeneration. It helps the body release oxides and overcomes oxidative stress which in turn boosts the secretion of T cells and the natural killer cells hence improving the overall immunity of the body.
In older adults, an improved response to influenza vaccination was observed after