New Delhi, Aug 31 (IANS) To keep the body healthy and good, it is very important to have elements like vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc in our food. These are the elements that are necessary to run our body and provide energy to the body parts.
After iron, zinc is the most important nutrient for the human body. It is such a nutrient without which a human cannot remain healthy. According to research, men aged 19 years and above have 11 milligrams of zinc and women of the same age group have 8 milligrams of zinc.
Dr. Amit Kumar, who runs Shatayu Ayurveda and Panchkarma Center in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, said that zinc protects us from many physical problems. He said that zinc is an element that is absorbed by the body and is also present in sun skin lotion that protects the body from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Sun skin lotion is made of zinc oxide. He says, “Zinc is a nutrient that is often overlooked. Taking adequate zinc in the scorching summers increases immunity.
Dr. Amit listed several benefits of consuming zinc in abundant quantities.
He said, “It is usually found naturally in foods. Significant amounts of zinc are found in meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, nuts, legumes and vegetables. Protein-rich foods such as seafood, red meat and chicken contain high amounts of zinc. Apart from this, eggs and dairy products are also good sources of zinc. Thus, zinc deficiency can be fulfilled through foods. This makes your body’s nervous system function very well. It strengthens the physical structure and also increases immunity.”
Zinc also helps support your immune system. Zinc helps produce T-cells, which are important components of the body’s immune system. Low zinc levels may increase susceptibility to infection, so consuming enough zinc may help prevent infections. Although research is still ongoing on the benefits of zinc supplementation, including zinc in your normal diet may help support your health.
Thirdly, zinc helps protect your skin from blemishes. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve skin problems like acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. This vital nutrient helps in tissue repair and thus faster wound healing.
Along with this, zinc also takes care of the digestive system. According to the doctor, “Zinc helps in keeping your digestive system healthy. It plays an important role in repairing the cells of the intestinal tract and strengthens them, which makes proper absorption of nutrients possible. However, consuming too much zinc can have a negative effect on the digestive system, so zinc should be taken in balanced amounts.”
Explaining the fifth and final benefit of consuming zinc in large amounts, Dr. Amit says, “Zinc may help prevent macular degeneration, an age-related eye disease. High amounts of zinc are found in the retina and work together with vitamin A to protect the eyes. Research suggests that zinc slows down macular degeneration and helps prevent cellular damage to the retina.”
–IANS
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