Zinc
Zinc, known by the chemical symbol Zn, is a mineral found in many different parts of the body, such as in the bones, teeth, hair, liver, skin, white blood cells, muscles and in males in the testes. As a component of more than 100 enzymes, it performs a vital function in maintaining your health.
The body needs zinc in order to repair cells and tissues that have been damaged due to illnesses, diseases and injuries. It is especially necessary for normal growth and development in young children because of its presence in the bones. It has a role to play in the normal functioning of just about every cell in your body.
Most people get the amounts of zinc their bodies need from the foods they eat in their diet. The foods that are richest in this mineral are:
- shellfish
- dairy products – milk and cheese
- beef
- chicken
- pork
- turkey
- pulses
- nuts
- wholemeal grains
You can get trace amounts of the mineral in the outer covering of grains, but grain fibres contain phylates, which actually prevent the body from absorbing the zinc and other minerals it needs. If you follow a diet high in protein, you will need to take zinc dietary supplements to ensure that your body remains healthy.
continue to Zinc Part 2