Men tend to lose zinc more often than women, due to it being expelled via sperm during ejaculation. Consuming foods that are rich in zinc is advisable to men because it helps to maintain a healthy prostate and reproductive health. This isn’t to say that zinc is not integral to the health of the female body, because zinc is a natural beauty element. It works with calcium, biotin, sulfur, and silica to keep the skin looking youthful.
Uses of Zinc
Zinc comes in four types:
- Zinc acetate
- Zinc oxide
- Zinc permanganate
- Zinc stearate
They are all inorganic and pharmaceutical grades of Zinc. Some of the uses of this element include:
- Styptic
- Astringent
- Water-repellent
- Protective steel coating
Zinc also has many functions inside the body. It is essential for:
- Male prostate health
- Female uterine health
- Protein synthesis
- Oil gland activity
- Healthy immune system
- Wound healing
- Accurate sense of taste and smell
- Prevention of free radical formation
- Maintains proper levels of Vitamin E
It is best for humans to consume organic natural zinc, which exists in many food sources. If you want to learn more about the best plant-based sources of zinc, click here. The article is rife with information about the importance of this trace element. Should you be looking for a natural supplement to help increase your zinc intake, consider our zinc formula, which can be viewed here.
Deficiency in Zinc
A deficiency of this important trace element can result in many ailments. Zinc is essential to our bodies and without it, they can begin to develop some of the following symptoms:
- Brittle nails
- Male prostate gland disorders
- Acne
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Delayed sexual maturation in infants
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Impaired night vision
- Male impotence
- Female infertility
- Colds
- Flu
- Slow wound healing
- Impaired memory function
Natural Sources of Zinc
Many foods contain high levels of zinc. When purchasing these foods, make sure they are organic whenever possible.
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Brewer’s yeast
- Lima beans
- Pecans
- Mushrooms
- Whole grains
Herbs also can be great sources of zinc. Some beneficial herbs include:
- Cocculus Root
- Sarsaparilla
- Chickweed
- Alfalfa
- Kelp
- Dulse
- Fennel Seed
- Dandelion
- Nettle
- Parsley
- Hops
- Milk Thistle
- Blue-Green algae
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Wild Yam
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
