Zinc is one of the many nutrients that are not produced by the body, so you must get it from the food you eat. Another good option is by taking a supplement with zinc. This nutrient is known as a trace mineral, which means that the body needs it in a very small quantity however, it is necessary for regulating different chemical reactions inside the body. Benefits of zinc are related to protein building, production of DNA, repair of damaged tissues, and increase immune system response.
Because of its role in cell growth and multiplication, this mineral is vital in the process of rapid growth and development during childhood, adolescence stage, and pregnancy. To take advantage of zinc uses to overall health, there is a need for continuous supply in the body through diet.
1. Zinc as Essential Nutrient
Zinc is naturally present in wide varieties of foods like in animals and plant foods. If you want to take other food products aside from natural foods, there are processed foods that are fortified with zinc like cereals, snack bars, the flour used for baking and other synthetic forms of zinc. Zinc benefits the body through gene expression, increase immune system function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and enzymatic reaction. You may also find it in some medicinal products such as lozenges and nasal sprays because it can treat cold symptoms.
2. Immune Booster
Zinc is very well known as an important nutrient that can boost the immune system. Lack of it in the diet can lead to a weak immune system response to illnesses. A review study of seven different types of research showed that intake of at least 80 to 92 mg of zinc a day can reduce the number of days that a patient can recover from the common cold by 33 percent. Beneficial zinc side effects are for older adults to reduce infection and promote immune system response.
3. Promotes Wound Healing
Zinc benefits are being utilized in hospitals for fast healing of wounds, burns, other skin injuries, and certain types of ulcers. The reason for this is that zinc plays a major role in collagen synthesis, inflammatory response as well as normal immune function. The truth is that the skin holds an ample amount of this mineral for about 5 percent of the total zinc content in the body.
A 22-week study done in 60 people with foot ulcers connected to diabetes were given 200 mg of zinc a day. The result showed a significant reduction in the size of the ulcer as compared to the placebo group.
4. Decrease Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The nutrient is very important to reduce the likelihood of experiencing AMD, infection, and pneumonia especially for the elderly. Zinc can stop oxidative stress that can lead to improved immune system response. It can boost the activity of T-cells and the natural killer cells that can help the body to ward off infections. According to studies, zinc uses as a supplement for elders can alleviate the response of the influenza vaccine and decrease the risk of having pneumonia.
5. Acne Treatment
Acne is one of the most common skin problems that affect 9.4 percent of the world’s total population. There are studies conducted that showed the effectiveness of both topical and oral treatment with zinc in treating acne. The benefits of zinc can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the accumulation of P. acne bacteria and limiting the activity of the oil gland. Some studies proved that people who are prone to acne have a low level of zinc in the body.
6. Aids Inflammation
Oxidative stress is the number one caused by chronic inflammation that can lead to many chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The good thing about zinc side effects in the body is that it can reduce oxidative stress at a very low level to avoid inflammation.
A study conducted in 45 elderly adults showed a huge reduction in inflammatory markers right after taking 45 mg of zinc a day compared to the placebo group.
7. Other Health Benefits
Zinc deficiency in human beings is very rare but it can happen to people with genetic mutations and lactating mothers with very low zinc level. In a healthy adult, enough zinc can solve behavioral problems like depression and mood swings. Also, it can promote sexual maturity, treat skin rashes, and faster wound healing for minor injuries.
