Why You Need Zinc
February 16, 2011 by Karen Jones
Filed under Vitamins and Minerals
Zinc is a mineral that is more important than many people realise. It is actually vital for good health. You need zinc for a healthy immune system and to make sure that you get the most out of the food you eat. Zinc plays a part in breaking down protein fat and carbohydrates. Too much zinc can lead to stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
You can get the zinc that you need from eating plenty of meat, shellfish, milk, brown rice and whole grains. Zinc is also found in beans, nuts, almonds, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and blackcurrants. As people around the world eat more processed food zinc deficiency has become more common. As with all vitamins and minerals, it is better for you if you get your zinc from a balanced diet. Eating whole foods and whole grains is essential if you want to avoid suffering from a zinc deficiency.
It is recommended that women consume 8mg of zinc a day and men 11mg. You can use zinc tablets to quickly address a zinc deficiency. However, it is important that you change your diet and do not depend only on zinc tablets to get the zinc that you need.
Low zinc levels are normally as a result of a poor diet, but can also be an early sign of disease. Those diseases include malabsorption, liver disease, kidney disease, sickle cell anaemia and diabetes.
Signs of zinc deficiency include the loss of taste and smell, hair loss, diarrhoea and other digestive problems. If you have a lack of zinc wounds will take longer to heal and you may find that lesions and sores will appear on your skin, especially on the face and neck.
If children do not get enough zinc, it can stunt their growth. They will also be prone to injury and cuts and grazes will take a long time to heal. A lack of zinc can also compromise their immune system and make them more prone to illness.
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