Every year, there seems to be some new product out there telling the world that it can stay young forever. But aging cannot be helped, whether you like it or not. However, there are some ways to look younger than you are, such as regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, a relaxed lifestyle and more. Healthy food doesn’t just refer to the food that you want to eat, it’s talking about the nutritional content of that food. For example, it’s important to eat food that are rich in zinc, a mineral which can help hide the signs of aging. While you can probably list food that are rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium or iron, do you know which ones will give you the most zinc? If you don’t, then this article will enlighten you and help you understand more about this essential mineral.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is actually a trace element, essential in maintaining the immune system. There are some remarkable parallels between a zinc deficiency and immunological changes which may promote aging. These include reduced activity of the thymic and thymus hormones, decreased response to vaccination, impaired immune cell function and more.
Zinc also supports your senses of taste and smell. Its less notable properties include helping with T-lymphocyte’ activity and the formation of cells, protein and DNA. This means a zinc deficiency may hinder the ability of the body to heal properly.
To get enough zinc, you must eat foods that are rich in it. However, always remember that an excess of anything can be dangerous, as too much zinc can also suppress the immune system and reduce good cholesterol. It can also interfere with the absorption of other key nutrients, such as copper and iron.
How Much Zinc Do You Need?
The body does not readily store zinc, so you must get some every day through various sources. When we say you should consume it every day, this doesn’t mean consume a lot of it, no; you should always consume things in moderation. The recommended daily intake for women is 8 milligrams, but pregnant women need about 11 milligrams and nursing mothers need 12. Vegetarians may need to consume as much as 50% more than the recommended daily consumption.
Sources of Zinc
Here are some of the most common sources of zinc:
- Shrimp
- Quinoa
- Turkey
- Cashews
- Garbanzo beans
- Lentils
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Lamb
- Beef
Benefits of Zinc
Zinc’s benefits in aging are backed by science, which shows that a deficiency speeds up the aging process. Zinc is necessary for repairing breaks in DNA. If these repairs don’t happen, the damaged cells multiply on their own, which can lead to premature aging or even cancer.
But zinc doesn’t just protect against aging; it also helps the body in many other ways, such as regulating immunity, healing wounds and improving brain function. While zinc can bring back your youthful glow, always remember not to consume excessive amounts of it. At the end of the day, your health is more important than your looks.
