Sure, youve heard people praise it as an immune-boosting powerhouse, but is that actually true?
Experts weigh in on zinc’s health benefits and how to reap the nutrient’s rewards.
After all, the vitamin is purportedly essential forimmunityand wound healing, among other vital functions in the body.
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Ahead, learn how zinc works in the body, plus when you should take a zinc supplement.
What Is Zinc, Exactly?
Chan School of Public Health.
The nutrient is involved in more than 300 (!!)
But how does that translate to your health?
In turn, these immune cells can properly fight pathogens and defend your body from sickness.
Specifically, zinc works by supporting the growth and proliferation (i.e.
multiplication) of skin cells, according to an article published in the journalNutrients.
This helps repair damaged tissue and close wounds before infection-causing germs can enter the skin.
(Note: Zinc oxide is also often theactive sun-blocking ingredient in mineral sunscreens.)
Supports Brain Function
Another reason why zinc is good for you?
you’re in luck, because there’s one more benefit of the nutrient that deserves your attention.
Becauseglucoseis the main source of energy for all your cells.
Meat (think: beef, poultry, seafood) is a particularly rich source of zinc.
Dairy products, on the other hand, contain a moderate amount of zinc (e.g.
1 cup of cow’s milk contains 1 milligram, according to theNIH).
Case in point: Half-cup servings ofkidney beansanddiced portabella mushroomscontain less than 1 milligram each.
Moreover, the little zinc that is in whole grains and legumes is difficult to absorb.
But luckily, there’s a way to work around this.
Chan School of Public Health.
Another option is to pair whole grains and legumes with meat, says Dr. Li.
Okay, But Should You Take Zinc Supplements?
It’s not recommended to take zinc supplements before speaking to your doctor, says Brikho.
Zinc overdose can be treated by simply stopping consumption of the supplement, according toNCBI.
The same goes if you’re already taking a multivitamin that has zinc e.g.
Thorne Zinc Picolinate
But let’s say you follow a vegetarian orvegan diet.
In this case, a zinc supplement may be in the cards.
blood and urine tests, hair analysis, etc.)
to determine your level of deficiency, explains Brikho.
is a pretty resounding “yes.”
After all, zinc is an essential mineral, meaning your body needs it to stay healthy.
