If there is one trace mineral that is responsible for a number of biological functions, then it is none other than ZINC!!
From immune response to DNA synthesis to healing of wounds etc, mineral zinc plays a huge role. There are a variety of foods available that are rich in zinc such as legumes, whole grains, dairy products, meat etc. Some persons might not get the adequate amounts of zinc needed for their overall health through food alone and for them zinc supplements would be fantastic.
Various forms of zinc supplements are zinc gluconate, zinc sulphate and zinc acetate etc. It is worth mentioning here that consuming zinc supplements would help us to avoid zinc deficiency. Person with zinc deficiency would show several signs like hair loss, changes in skin, eye problems, longer time for wound healing etc. Some people might also show signs like loss of smell and taste etc.
Numerous health benefits of consuming zinc supplements are
Immune system support:
For maintaining a healthy immune system, zinc is essential. It must be taken into account that zinc is involved in the development and function of immune cells like t-lymphocytes, macrophages and neutrophils etc. The immune cells are protected from damage due to free radicals due to the zinc with antioxidant properties.
Wound healing:
Zinc is involved in cell division, protein synthesis and inflammation control etc and due to these zinc does superbly in wound healing. For skin regeneration and synthesis, keratinocytes and fibroblasts are necessary and zinc would help in proliferation of these two.
Growth and development:
In the kids, zinc plays an important role in proper growth and development. For DNA synthesis, protein synthesis and cell division etc zinc is needed. Point is that normal growth patterns, cognitive development and overall physical development in the kids would be supported by intake of zinc.
Cognitive function:
For brain health and cognitive functions, zinc intake is essential. Zinc plays a huge role in neurotransmitter signalling, synaptic plasticity, neuronal communication etc. It is worthy to note that adequate intake of zinc supplements is associated with low risks of getting neurodegenerative issues like Alzheimer`s diseases etc.
Reproductive health:
For both males as well as females, reproductive health is important. Point is that (in males) zinc supplements would help in sperm mobility, testosterone production and overall fertility etc. In females, zinc supplements intake would support ovarian function hormonal regulation and menstrual health.
Skin health:
For healthy skin, zinc is necessary. Various activities of intake of zinc supplements are regulation of sebum production, lowers inflammation, promoting skin cell renewal etc. It is noteworthy that zinc supplements would treat acne, eczema and various other skin conditions etc. This would be by controlling production of oils and reducing severity of inflammatory responses.
Vision health:
Vision or eye health is very essential for us to lead normal lives. It is true that intake of zinc supplements would boost our eye health or vision health. Zinc would play a huge role in vitamin A metabolism required for good vision. When a person has adequate zinc, then he or she could lower the vision loss risk.
Regulation of appetite:
Appetite regulation and taste perception are influenced by zinc. There are possibilities of taste disturbances if we have zinc deficiency and reduced sense of smell. This would affect the appetite.
Antioxidant properties:
By consuming zinc supplements, our body`s antioxidant defences would get enhanced and this would lower the risk of getting chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases etc.
Hormone regulation:
It is known that thyroid functions play a huge role in metabolism and energy production etc. Point to be noted is zinc would influence thyroid function. Consuming zinc supplements would balance hormone levels plus boost metabolic health and support overall endocrine function.
Important note:
Excess consumption of zinc supplements would result in adverse effects on us. Therefore, we must use them under proper medical guidance only.
