What are the health benefits of zinc?
- Maintaining bodily functions
- Speed up wound healing
- Reduce duration of colds
- Lessen the symptoms of diarrhea
- Help fight macular degeneration
- Aid in diminishing acne
To maintain your health, eating nutritional food, without a doubt, is a must. This is because you need the right amount of nutrients to keep your body functioning and capable of fighting diseases. Aside from carbohydrates, protein, and fats, you also need
a steady supply of vitamins and minerals such as zinc. To know the health benefits of zinc, keep on reading!
Maintaining Bodily Functions
Zinc is a nutrient needed for a number of bodily functions. It is found in cells and required for enzyme activity in processes such as digestion, metabolism, and fighting viruses. It is a vital part of the creation of DNA and proteins and is especially important in growing and developing babies during pregnancy, infancy, and childhood.
When a person is deficient in this nutrient, symptoms like hair loss, problems with appetite, slow wound healing, decreased sense of taste, and diarrhea can occur. It can also result in impotence and slowed growth in children.
Speed Up Wound Healing
Zinc is a vital part of wound healing. It is a micronutrient required in many processes such as tissue repair, blood clotting, inflammation, blood vessel formation, and scarring. In fact, people who suffer from chronic ulcers might also have low levels of zinc.
Zinc can be found in both topical creams and oral supplements. When applied to the skin, it has been shown to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in patients with leg ulcers. On the other hand, a double-blind study suggested that the supplementation of zinc can be correlated to improved wound size in patients with ulcers.
Reduce Duration Of Colds
Some people catch infections more frequently than others. If you often suffer from the common cold, you may want to check for a zinc deficiency. Because aside from regulating different phases of wound healing, this nutrient is also essential in
building a strong immune system. It does this by aiding in the development of cells such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages which fight viruses and bacteria.
Without this important micronutrient, you can become more prone to illnesses such as the common cold. Studies suggest that at least 80 milligrams of zinc supplementation can reduce the duration of colds by 33%. Researchers recommend that intake should be done within the first day of noticing symptoms, but treating a deficiency might also help improve overall immunity.
Lessen The Symptoms Of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a medical condition caused by bacteria or parasites from contaminated food and water, viruses that cause an infection, certain medications, and diseases that affect the colon. This results in bowel movements with loose stools more than 3 times a day.
The Center For Disease Control And Prevention says that more than 2,000 children die from diarrhea-related causes every day. That’s why aside from traditional medical care, zinc supplements are especially beneficial in treating children with acute conditions. A review confirmed the safety and efficacy of these oral supplements, and WHO recommends their use in the t
reatment of the condition.
Helps Fight Macular Degeneration
Zinc is essential for eye health. This mineral present in the macula helps produce melanin, which has various roles in protecting the eye. As you age, you will experience a lot of changes in your bodily functions—including your vision. One of these is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which can be mild at first, and worsen over time.
Symptoms include blurry vision, especially at the center, where whiteouts could occur. To slow down the progression of AMD, researchers found out that the supplementation of antioxidants and zinc may help slow it down. In another study, 50 mg of zinc sulfate improved the condition of 72 individuals.
Aid In Diminishing Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin problems many people experience. Treating it early is beneficial to avoid dark spots and reduce scarring.
Zinc is one of the treatment options commonly used by dermatologists. Its ability to reduce inflammation, speed up wound healing, and fight bacteria can be useful in treating acne. In several studies, its effectiveness in
treating both severe and inflammatory acne is shown.
Key Takeaway
The health benefits of zinc can be experienced through faster wound healing, a better functioning immune system, lessening symptoms of diarrhea, slowing the progression of AMD, and diminishing acne. It is a mineral essential to the normal processes of your cells, and being deficient in it can cause a myriad of symptoms.
If you require zinc supplements in your diet, you may browse the Puritan’s Pride online store for a variety of choices. For your convenience, you can have the products delivered to your home.
