Terri Ramsey Beavers There are many things that our body needs that it doesn’t get as much as they should. We all know the main characters such as vitamin C, D, and E, as well as protein, carbs, and fats. However, to aid our body in so many ways we need to consume more minerals. One of the more mysterious minerals that we don’t get enough of is zinc. Zinc is the second-most common trace mineral in our bodies, right behind iron. It aids in digestion, nerve response and the breakdown and absorption of food. It’s fundamental for our skin to remain strong and healthy. It’s also crucial for the development of immune cells that allow our bodies to repair and hunt down things that are attacking our system. But how can you consume more zinc without altering your diet too much?
Red meat is the most common source for zinc in our diet. If you consumed 3 ounces of beef, you would be getting 5.3mg of zinc. This would aid in cell repair and reproduction, something that will greatly benefit our immune system. Having at least two or three red meat meals for dinner during the week would top up our supply and give us all the benefits our bodies need. Consider eating a hamburger every once in a while as beef patties are more digestible than steak or cubed beef for stews. Thinly sliced beef for sandwiches is also recommended for its ease of digestion. If you would like a slightly less strong flavor of red meat, lamb is a great alternative.
There’s plenty of zinc to be absorbed through gentle snacking. Nuts and seeds such as peanuts, walnuts and sunflower seeds are great sources of zinc. Peanut butter for breakfast or a snack is highly advisable as you get plenty of sugar and fat for energy, but lots of minerals too. It’s also a great vegetarian or vegan option. Oat bars will contain a lot of different minerals, so a flapjack or two every week would be excellent to power your cells throughout the day. Yeast also has plenty of zinc, so eating bread or pizza once or twice a week would give your body the strength it needs to build a strong digestive system.
Health head
If you suffer from various scalp conditions, one of the solutions might be more zinc. Itchy scalp pimples are a sign of infection and swelling of the hair follicle. One way to solve this would be to get a Zincplex shampoo, specifically designed for acne. Sometimes your body is more prone to bacteria, such as when you’re going through a hormonal period. Your body could use the extra zinc directly applied to the affected area. This would boost your immune cells and bring the infection and inflammation under control.
Zinc really is a superhero, but it’s the unsung gladiator that keeps our body strong. Take nuts and seeds to work and snack on them during lunch. Come home and have one red meat dish for dinner at least a week, and you will see a marked difference in your gut health.