What are the health effects of zinc?

We all know that vegetables are good for us, but have you ever considered the nutritional values behind them? Zinc is an essential mineral that we need in our bodies. It is a nutrient that comes from many dietary sources as well as supplements. This article will detail what zinc does and how it affects your overall health.

Introduction To Zinc

Before we dive into its effects on our body, let’s talk about what zinc really is. Did you know that people began using brass to make candlesticks in ancient times because they knew that mixing copper and calamine would produce this magical metal called zinc?

Okay maybe not magical, but it still has impressive properties! Zinc helps support our immune system, skin health, wound healing capabilities and much more.

How Much Do We Need?

Everyone needs different amounts of nutrients based on factors such as age and gender.. But wait…what actually are nutrients?! I’m glad you asked! Nutrients are substances found within food (vitamins & minerals), which provides nourishment for the body allowing it to function properly. Now back to zinc – recommended daily intake ranges between 8mg-11mg per day depending upon whether or not you have a walnut-sized prostate or if you’re pregnant / breastfeeding etc..

Where Can You Capture Some Zingy Zinc From?

Now onto foods high in zinc – this may surprise some of y’all! Below include food containing high levels:

• Meat
• Seafood
• Beans
• Nuts and Seeds

HmMmm sounds delicious huh ? If only their absorbability wasn’t negatively influenced by certain plant phytates!

Health Benefits Of Consuming Proper Levels Of ZInc

Are There Any Actual Benefits Though Or Is This Just Another Fad? There certainly seems like there’s a lot…

Boosts Immunity

Your antibodies fight off anything that isn’t suppose to be in your body – ever heard of a bouncer? – Well zinc acts as their very own one. It helps prevent infections and inflammation by producing an increased amount of T-cells, which help fight infections and bacteria.

Helps Our Skin Become ‘Flawless’

Zinc also plays a vital role in our skin- helping it have the “oomph” factor. Did you know that acne sufferers often have lower levels than those without acne breakouts? Zinc controls oil production, minimizes inflammation & reduces bacteria found on the surface layer of our skin.

Promotes Gut Health

Oh oh here comes a biology lesson! Intestinal epithelium is made up of tightly packed cells arranged with tight junctions between them. When these leak up or loosen – this triggers an immune response, causing chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease… hence why we want to keep things sturdy down there!.

A proper amount of zinc ensures that barrier function remains intact ensuring longer-term gut health & preventing microbial invaders from penetrating those defences!

Helps Brain Development And Functionality

For all you studying students out there – Zinc acts on specific gene expression patterns within brain areas required for learning and memory mechanisms. Copper squishes God knows what together allowing after long examination periods us control over executive functions :D.

Going Overboard With ZInc: Not A Good Idea..

As with anything ingested into our bodies moderation is key! Ingesting too much can lead to serious illnesses including lowering other mineral retention rates (copper ect..). So don’t go crazy taking more than directed or needed just because of mentioned benefits!

Below lists side effects if taken excessively (more than 40 mg/day):

• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headaches/migraines
• Low energy/weakness

## Chowing Down On The Right Foods

So… you’re wondering what types of food to chow down on for your daily zinc requirements? Look no further – as aforementioned, things like meats and nuts will give ya the Zug factor. Below just how much zinc is in some foods:

Food	Zinc (mg)
Beef	7
Pork	3
Poultry	2-3
Shellfish	vary
Pumpkin seeds	2.5

Conclusion

Wowzers wouldn’t have thought there was so much information surrounding one mineral wouldya? Once again it’s recommended we get our adequate levels of daily nutrients whether that means getting it through diet or supplements.. OhP ee yule be bloooted with excitement to hear whole grains, legumes & cereals contain high amounts of phytic acids which leads to a whopping 26% reduction in absorption rates … So catch ya later vegetarians!

Remember, moderation with all things is key! A proper amount consumed makes sure us living beings don’t suffer side effects caused by too much consumption. Not getting enough zingy goodness can cause a species variety negative effects on our body – from slowing mental function ability to decreasing immunity unit effectiveness.

Stay happy AND healthy everyone 🥳