Zinc Benefits
Zinc Benefits, Almost Too Many To Count
The number ways in which zinc benefits our bodies is surprisingly large. Although a trace mineral, meaning we don't need a whole lot of it, and toxic in large amounts, meaning we don't want a whole lot of it, zinc is a superstar when it comes to maintaining our health and general well-being. Zinc in our bodies is not only helpful, it is essential. Zinc is present in every cell in the body, and is required for cells to reproduce. Zinc is used in one way or another in every organ in the body, and a deficiency of this key trace mineral can lead to any number of symptoms.
Zinc is important for the proper functioning of our sensory organs. One of the symptoms of a zinc deficiency can be degradation in taste or smell, and zinc is used in the treatment of macular degeneration, a disease affecting the elderly which, if untreated, can lead to blindness. Zinc benefits the function of the liver and thyroid by helping regulate the production of certain vitamins and hormones, upon which our health depends. Our largest organ, our skin, cannot remain healthy if a deficiency of zinc in the body is allowed to occur. Zinc compounds such as zinc oxide and zinc acetate are routinely used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, for treatment of skin rashes, and healing of wounds.
The critical role that zinc plays in the functioning of the thyroid, and our other endocrine glands, suggests zinc supplements as being potentially useful in maintaining a healthy immune system. This in fact is the case. Zinc has been shown to not only to help maintain a healthy immune system and ward of disease, but zinc supplements are also used to limit the impact of some diseases, and help in the healing process. Zinc supplements are often touted as being useful in preventing the common cold. This has yet to be proven. However, zinc supplements, normally in the form of lozenges, have been shown to shorten the duration of colds while lessening the severity. Nasal sprays, containing zinc or zinc compounds, are often used in the treatment of the common cold and are readily available over the counter. However, the actual effect on colds of some of these products remains unproven.
Since zinc is essential in enabling cells to reproduce, it becomes obvious that zinc then is also essential for growth. Infants in particular must have an adequate supply of zinc in order to grow normally, both physically and mentally. Zinc supplements therefore are definitely needed in areas of the world where the food supply does not provide adequate nutritional benefits, including the minimum required amount of zinc.
The list of zinc benefits goes on. While all that really needs to be said is that zinc is needed throughout the body, it doesn't hurt to identify the above benefits, and a few more. Zinc plays a vital role in keeping the prostrate gland healthy, and is vital to the insulin producing function of the pancreas. The thyroid, mentioned above, plays a key role in regulating our body's metabolic rate. It cannot do this adequately if there exists a deficiency in zinc. So the next time you happen to come across the Periodic Table of the Elements, give zinc a hand. It deserves it.