Zinc: Help for What Ails You

What would you say about a mineral which helps your five senses, maintains healthy skin, aids in fighting viruses, and helps your body heal itself from wounds and cuts? Surprised one little mineral can do so much? Zinc aids in all of these biological phenomena and more.

Zinc gives your body help when and where it needs it to fight the good fight for your health. Zinc plays a role in enhancing immunity, stimulating anti-viral functions in the body, and is necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes and plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes--over 300--which help regulate your body’s sensory perceptions, like taste, smell and vision.

People have the highest concentrations of zinc in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, and muscles. While whole grain breads, liver, nuts and cereals are good sources of zinc, they may not provide enough zinc for your body unless they are eaten in vast quantities. Typically a serving of liver contains around 6 mg, and a serving of pecans, almonds, or Brazil nuts contain between 3-4 mg of Zinc per serving. Optimal health requires 8-11mg of Zinc per day, and during pregnancy the amount is even higher--13 mg. For this reason, supplements in a dosage of 15-30 mg are often recommended. You can have too much of a good thing though, and should make sure you do not consume over 40 mg of Zinc per day.

Zinc is also a critical antioxidant in the body, and it helps speed wound healing, especially in burns and scars. Zinc also plays an important role in the reproductive system where it is necessary for the development of sperm, for ovulation and for fertilization.

Because of its wondrous healing properties, Zinc has been studied for use in a wide range of other disorders. Zinc supplementation may support healthy skin. Other potential benefits may include support of prostate health and prevent the progression of benign prostate enlargement. Zinc has been used with positive results to treat stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease, and Zinc supplementation may also support healthy vision.