Zinc is a known mineral, which is also often seen in multivitamins. But, do you really know how Zinc works in the body? There is more to this mineral than just being a part of a multivitamin. Read more to know the importance of Zinc to your health.
Zinc Benefits
Zinc is a trace element which means that it is only needed by the body in very small amounts. However, it is very essential for human health. The following are the benefits brought about by Zinc.
- Boosts the immune system
- Hastens wound healing
- Good for the skin (treats acne and delays skin aging)
- Supports fertility and reproductive health in general (for both males and females)
- Improves strength and performance in athletes
- Improves heart health
- May help prevent cancer
- Improves mood and prevents anxiety and depression
- Enhances sleep and cognition
Importance in Menopause
The changes in menopause may cause dryness to the skin, hair, nails and eyes. However, if you have enough zinc in the body, it may help you manage the dryness. Zinc may help in the management of stress, anxiety and depression. It may also help in protecting the bone health and preventing the development of osteoporosis.
High and Low Zinc Levels
As recommended by experts, adult women should be able to get 12 m/day of Zinc. How do you know if you have high or low Zinc levels in the body? You can go to a clinic or laboratory to have your levels tested. However, there is a Do-It-Yourself Taste Test that is very simple and can be done at the comforts of your own home. To show you how the process is done, check out this video by Kayla from the Radiant Life Company. Learn about the easy tips for testing Zinc, below. (3.26 minutes)
Zinc levels in the body can also be checked using test strips. But by just simply looking at yourself, you can also tell if you have low Zinc or not. Usually, having white spots under the fingernails will signify that you are deficient from it.
If you have low Zinc levels, what would you experience? When there is zinc deficiency, a person may lose the appetite to eat and may also lose weight as a result. Other symptoms like hair loss, depression, and low blood pressure may also be seen in a person who is deficient from it. The most common symptom would be the loss of your sense of taste and smell.
At some point where too much Zinc is consumed, it may also cause issues. When taken in excessively high doses, it may cause stomach pain, fever and fatigue. When inhaled through the nose, it may also cause loss of smell. It can be inhaled from the gas fumes present in the environment, like the smoke coming from burning coal or wastes.
Ways to Use Zinc
Aside from consuming foods that contain high amounts of Zinc, you can make your own skin protection formula with Zinc! Here’s a short yet informative video by Sophie Uliano on making a 4-in-1 Natural recipe for sunscreen, moisturizer, deodorant and bug repellant! Check it out! (3.01 minutes)
For the ingredients, we’ve got you covered! Below is the list of ingredients for this 4-in-1 recipe. Enjoy!
- 1/2 c coconut oil (Nutiva Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)
- 1/2 cup shea butter (NOW Foods Shea Butter)
- 5 tsp beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp non-nano zinc oxide (Lalune Naturals Zinc Oxide Powder)
- 20 drops lavender essential oil (Lavender 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil)
- 20 drops lemongrass essential oil
Sources of Zinc
Although not readily available in the body, Zinc can be found in the common food items that we consume. There are not too many plant sources of this mineral, because of the phytates that are present in plants. Phytates slow the its absorption, making it useless when introduced in the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, the best sources of this mineral are oysters. It is followed by meat, including beef, pork chop and chicken. Whole wheat grain, oats, peas and nuts are also good sources. You may also consume crab, lobster, flounder, cheese, milk and yogurt for more of the mineral in the body.
If eating food items is not enough, you can also get it from supplements. There are multivitamins and supplements that mainly provide it. It may also be included in organic formulas for the skin and the hair. There are products in powder form, which are used to provide sun protection and moisturizing property in skin and hair products.
What do you think about Zinc? Tell us your experiences with Zinc products!
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Have a happy Menopause Journey!
Zinc is a mineral that is found in almost every cell in the human body, Despite its importance, this mineral is often taken for granted. A lot of people tend to remember zinc when they have a cold or sore throat. These people take zinc supplements and lozenges to treat colds or sore throats. However, these individuals should bear in mind that zinc won’t cure these ailments. The mineral, however, will help boost the immune system so the cold won’t develop into something more serious. In addition to these health benefits, zinc is found in many food groups and is important for nourishing the skin, boosting the functions of the reproductive system.
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Zinc is essential for menopause too! Thank you for the added information. We appreciate your contribution.