What is zinc?
Zinc is a micronutrient present in all the cells of our body and it is essential to keep our body healthy.
Since the human body has no reserves of zinc in the conventional sense of storage, we must consume it regularly as part of our diet. This can be achieved through foods that are a source of zinc and can be supplemented with dietary supplements containing it in order to reap its full benefits.
What is its function for the body?
It is necessary for the proper development and maintenance of the human body, especially during the growing period and pregnancy. Its presence is key to various biological systems and processes, such as immune function (responsible for fighting viruses or bacteria), wound healing or musculoskeletal development.
Benefits of zinc
Zinc has numerous benefits in our organism because we can find it in various processes and systems. It contributes to the normal metabolism of acid-base, carbohydrates, macronutrients, fatty acids and vitamin A. It plays a role in the body for the manufacture of proteins and our DNA, present in all our cells.
Similarly, it also helps in the maintenance of the immune system, bones, vision, cognitive function, as well as skin, hair and nails. Furthermore, it is involved in the process of cell division, protecting cells against oxidative stress and facilitating their functioning.
Its enefits of for women
Along with all the above benefits, it also has functions at the level of the hormonal system, contributing to fertility and reproduction. This is why women should include sufficient amounts in their diet, which can be supplemented with specially formulated dietary supplements for women.
Why is an adequate intake of zinc important?
Especially in children and adolescents, helps the rate of growth. It also promotes appetite, sense of taste and weight maintenance, and normal zinc concentration levels help with wound healing. Adequate levels also help maintain the hair, skin and eyes.
Foods with zinc
It is present in many staples of a balanced diet. The main foods rich in this mineral are red meat and poultry, fish or seafood and dairy products. Dried fruits such as nuts, legumes or wholegrain cereals also have high levels of this mineral.
Recommended daily requirement
The appropriate levels for our body are expressed in milligrams (mg). The human body has about 2 grams of zinc within its fluids and tissues, and because its metabolism is high, it is excreted quickly. This is why it is important to have an adequate daily intake.
