Zinc is the metal of life
In the search for the most vital elements for good nutrition zinc has arisen as the metal of life.
Zinc is a vital essential trace metal
Zinc is one of the most vital essential trace metals in human nutrition and lifestyle reported Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. There is about 2 to 3 grams of zinc in the adult body. Zinc is found throughout the human body in:
Zinc deficiency may severely undermine homeostasis
Zinc has been found to be vital for many physiological functions. Zinc plays a significant role in a number of enzyme functions in living systems. The diverse biological functions of zinc range from
enzymatic catalysis to having a crucial role in cellular neuronal systems. Overall zinc has simply been found to be one of the most important essential trace metals in human nutrition and lifestyle.
Zinc is a drug in the prevention of many diseases
Zinc deficiency may severely undermine the homeostasis of a biological system. Aside from being a vital element in many physiological processes zinc is also used as a drug in the prevention of many diseases reports the Institute of Food Technologists via Newswise.
About half of the world’s population is at risk for inadequate zinc intake
Foods which have a high protein content such as animal protein are primary sources of zinc in the human diet. Zinc is also often used as fortification for other foods. Shockingly about half of the world’s population is at risk for inadequate intake of this vital element.
Zinc plays a role in many diseases
Zinc has a role in many disease processes. In patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease the blood zinc level is less than usual. Zinc is significant for the synthesis, storage, and secretion of insulin. A decreased level of zinc has been found to play a role in diabetics with associated disease conditions such as coronary artery disease and several associated risk factors including hypertension, and elevated levels of triglycerides.
It has been observed that zinc may shorten the duration of severe pneumonia and the time which is spent in the hospital. Deficiency of zinc has been associated with delayed wound healing and has been found to be vital to the healing of gastric ulcers particularly at the early stage. During pregnancy just a mild deficiency of zinc can cause many changes including:
1: Increased maternal morbidity
2: Abnormal taste sensation
3: Prolonged gestation
4: Inefficient labor
5: Atonic bleeding
6: Increased risk to the well being of fetuses
An awareness of the vital importance of zinc for good overall health should encourage people to make certain they are getting adequate zinc in their diets. As reported by The World's Healthiest Foods red meat and poultry make up the largest contributions to zinc intake in the diets of Americans. Fish along with scallops and shrimp are also good sources of zinc. Nuts and seeds are also rich in zinc. Therefore, remember to always eat well and include foods which are rich in zinc in your diet.