The Vital Role of Zinc
is helpful Zinc is essential for growth and development, but too little zinc can cause problems such as delayed puberty, poor wound healing, and impaired immune function. What are some foods high in zinc?
Zinc-rich food is an important mineral needed for the proper functioning of our bodies. The body requires zinc to produce testosterone, sex hormones, insulin, and other proteins. If you don’t get enough zinc, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, and low energy levels.
Zinc-Rich Foods and Their Health Benefits
Brazil nuts
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is highly concentrated in the shell of Brazil nuts (Bertholletiaexcelsa). Zinc is an important cofactor for several enzymes and proteins involved in cellular respiration. It is also an important structural component of DNA.
2. Whole grains
Grains are also a great source of zinc-rich foods. Whole grain products provide a wide variety of micronutrients including zinc. In addition, they contain high amounts of fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, B vitamins, niacin, and vitamin E.
These compounds have been shown to act as natural anti-inflammatory agents, helping to decrease symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, colitis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, and more.
3. Eggs
Egg yolk contains about 75% of the daily recommended amount of zinc. An average egg provides over 400 mcg of zinc. Egg whites do not contain any zinc at all; however, just two whole eggs contain more than 100 mg of zinc!
4. Beans
Black beans are loaded with zinc. A half cup of cooked black beans provides nearly 20% of your daily zinc requirement. Other great sources of zinc include kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, white beans, dried peas, soybeans, and lima beans.
5. Chicken
Chicken is known as a great source of lean protein, especially if it’s free range. Chicken contains more zinc than pork, lamb, or fish combined. To get a good dose of zinc, try eating skinless chicken breast or thigh meat.
6. Oysters
Oysters are commonly stored at low temperatures and have high levels of zinc. They may not be the best food choice due to their high fat content, however, they do provide a nutritious alternative to meat. Zinc helps control cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
7. Fish
Fish contains high omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote brain function and reduce inflammation. A diet rich in Zinc helps reduce blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity, improve mood, and protect the heart. Also, salmon and trout eat some of the highest concentrations of zinc.
8. Whole Eggs
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, a whole egg provides about 8 percent of your daily value for zinc. Additionally, the yolk of eggs contains high levels of zinc and selenium. Selenium is a mineral that promotes thyroid function and protects cells from DNA damage.
9. Wheat Bran
Wheat bran is a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals like manganese, zinc, copper, and molybdenum. Most importantly, wheat bran is a great source of insoluble dietary fiber, and insoluble fibers help lower cholesterol.
Conclusion
grasping zinc-rich foods can change your overall well-being. From improving your immunity power to supporting cognitive work, the benefits are endless. Make nutritious Zinc-Rich foods part of your daily diet and experience its health benefits.
You can also read about High Protein Foods on our website.
Add foods like oysters, beans, and chicken to your diet.
Yes, you can, but getting those essential nutrients from foods is always recommended.
Yes, foods such as lentils, dairy products, and whole grains are some of the vegetarian sources of zinc.
Yes, it can badly affect cognitive function and prolonged zinc deficiency could weaken your immune system.
