An essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic functions in the body — including supporting healthy immune system functions — zinc plays a crucial role in overall wellness. Generally speaking, zinc catalyzes nearly 100 enzymes and is essential for proper protein synthesis in the human body. Zinc supports immune system health in its own right, and also relies on vitamin C to maximize its role in the human body.
We need to take in zinc each day because our body doesn’t manufacture it. Zinc-rich foods, including pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas and cocoa powder, can help us get the zinc we need, although animal sources like grass-fed beef, liver or kefir are often more bioavailable in the body. Supplementing is often necessary to hit your zinc goals.
What are the health benefits of taking zinc or consuming foods high in zinc? Well, zinc benefits the body in many ways — it helps with hormone production, proper growth and repair, improved immunity and promoting normal digestion. It’s needed by the body and zinc deficiency can lead to major health issues.
Zinc benefits also include its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, which means that zinc may have significant therapeutic benefits for several common, chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease.
Are you getting enough zinc in your diet? Maybe low zinc levels are to blame for your chronic fatigue, digestive issues or hormonal problems. There’s no denying that zinc benefits are vast and you actually depend on them to thrive.
The benefits of zinc include:
1. Increases Immunity and Fights Colds