How many times have you heard the phrase “health is wealth” and turned deaf ears around it? Like many, it must have been thousands of times. Well, for those of us who were taking things lightly and underestimating the power of a fit and healthy body, it seems that the pandemic, the oh-so-popular Covid -19, has surely cleared all the doubts.
The pandemic has shown the world that only a body with excellent immunity can fight off health hassles and pave the way towards a healthy life, or shall we say life.
Yes, there are many ways through which one can attain a balanced body. Be it exercise, yoga, meditation, relaxation, a positive mindset, etc. but did you know that your diet is 70% influential in determining the fitness quotient of your body. We all know the importance of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, etc., in the smooth functioning of the bodily parts. However, did you know that Zinc is one of the most essential nutrients required by the body?
According to several medical studies, after vitamin D, Zinc is the second most vital nutrient that can help fight the Coronavirus. In fact, it will not be wrong to say that the usage of Zinc has been recognized as one of the most indispensable parts of the standard covid treatment plans.
Advantages of Zinc
The most significant advantage of Zinc is that it enormously boosts your immune system. The accurate intake of Zinc does not only stimulate specific immune cells but also helps in the reduction of oxidative stress. A nutrient that is abundant in playing a crucial role in immune functions, collagen synthesis, and inflammatory responses, Zinc is essential for the proper functioning and healing of the human body. Time and again, Zinc has been a powerful nutrient in fighting infections and managing many other health-related problems, such as skin acne, and other common skin diseases.
Zinc Deficiency
The main reason behind Zinc deficiency has been known to be insufficient or reduced dietary intakes. Other causes include overexertion of the body, inadequate absorption, increased loss, etc. Zinc deficiency has been known to affect over 2 billion people globally. The following are the outcomes caused by Zinc deficiency.:
- Zinc deficiency is not just the reason behind the slow or impairment of wound healing but also other skin, nails, and hair-related problems.
- Deficiency of Zinc can result in oral ulcerations, white tongue coating, stomata, etc.
- Severe zinc deficiency has been known to impact the smell and taste sensation of a person seriously. It has also been known to be the reason behind night blindness among many.
- Zinc deficiency directly affects the levels of the inflammatory cytokines in blood plasma, leading to the development of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other infections like pneumonia.
- Inaccurate Zinc count has also been known to result in loss of appetite and create severe diarrhea.
The importance of natural zinc supplements:
If you are a non-vegetarian, you can find good sources of Zinc in oysters, crabs, chicken, beef, pork, and lobsters. And if you are a vegetarian, then again, there is an extensive list of foods and beverages that can ensure Zinc’s suitable supply in your diet. Some of the most readily available and healthy ones are :
- Legumes – chickpeas, beans, and lentils all consist of a substantial amount of Zinc. By using processed methods like heating, sprouting, fermentation, and soaking, one can improve its bioavailability.
- Seeds – Many people have increased their consumption of seeds, considering it’s a fad and the in thing to do. But the fact is that these seeds are abundant in many nutrients and can do wonders for the body’s overall wellbeing. Seeds like hemp, sesame, squash, and pumpkin are good sources of not just Zinc but also fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Nuts – the best thing about the intake of nuts is that time, and again they have been used as a healthy snack option. Nuts like cashews, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, etc., can boost your zinc intake. These nuts are also high in many other minerals and vitamins. These provide immunity against other ailments such as those related to heart, cancer, diabetes, etc.
- Dairy- milk, and cheese are both notable sources as they consist of high amounts of bio-available Zinc. These easily absorbable zinc products are also ideal for balancing the vitamin D, calcium, and protein intake in the body.
- Whole Grains – whole grains like wheat, quinoa, oats, and rice, consist of Zinc. Not only do they play a significant role in keeping the body healthy, but they also provide resistance against many health ailments.
- Vegetables – there are many vegetables which contain a good amount of Zinc. Some of them are mushrooms, spinach, green peas, Lima beans, asparagus, broccoli, okra, sweet corn, etc.
- Dark Chocolate – dark chocolate is loaded with Zinc. But since it also consists of sugar and calories, one needs to be careful about the level of consumption.
Since zinc is a mineral that cannot be produced in the body by itself, a proper diet must be planned to ensure its adequate intake. There are many zinc supplement tablets and capsules are available in the market, which can be beneficial for curbing zinc deficiencies and regulating many body functions. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian zinc supplement tablets are there is plenty to choose from.
Suppose you are looking for a healthy nutrient that can help in boosting your immunity and help you fight many diseases, infections, and the deadly coronavirus. In that case, this magical micronutrition is sure to come to your rescue.
Eat well and stay safe.
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Good information.