- February 12, 2023 26,417 views
Zinc is an essential mineral for the human body that is needed for a variety of functions like cell growth, wound healing, and immune system production. Zinc also has potential benefits in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
What is zinc?
Zinc is an element found in the earth’s crust, and it naturally occurs in many foods; however, it may be difficult to get enough zinc through diet alone because our soil has become less rich in zinc over time. Zinc also is found in some foods that are fortified with it.
Functions of zinc in the body
1. Immune function
Zinc helps in the production of white blood cells. This makes it essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and helps in fighting against infections. The human body has more white blood cells than any other cells. These cells get destroyed easily when not provided with adequate levels of zinc.
2. Promotes healthy skin
Zinc is essential for making elastin, which is the protein that gives elasticity to the skin. Zinc helps in collagen formation, which is the other protein that makes up the thick and strong connective tissue in our skin. When there is insufficient zinc in the body, people tend to get wrinkled skin and sagging eyelids.
3. Formation of red blood cells
Zinc is essential for the healthy functioning of the body’s red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. A deficiency of zinc can cause anemia which causes a drop in oxygen levels to low levels or zero.
4. Cancer
It has been said that zinc can help prevent cancer due to its role in DNA repair, immune function, and hormone regulation. Research is still inconclusive.
5. Heart health
Zinc is associated with higher HDL levels, lower blood pressure, and a healthier heart.
6. Bone development
Zinc helps in the healing of broken bones as it promotes the calcification of bone tissue. It’s also essential for the secretion of necessary hormones that contribute to the mineralization of bone tissue in infants, children, and adults. Zinc also contributes to bone growth through its role in protein synthesis and collagen formation.
Zinc is an essential mineral for the human body that is needed for a variety of functions like cell growth, wound healing, and immune system production. Zinc also has potential benefits in the prevention of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
