What is Zinc ?
Zinc is one of the essential minerals that the body needs to perform its many functions. As it is involved in the process of building proteins, supporting body growth, manufacturing nucleic acids, such as DNA, enzyme interaction, strengthening the immune system, and wound healing, it is also involved in the process of gene expression. The body cannot produce this mineral, so it must be obtained from its natural sources, or from its nutritional supplements. It is worth noting that the lack of zinc in the body makes it vulnerable to many diseases.
Sources of zinc
Zinc is available in many foods, and examples of sources rich in this element are the following: Oysters (Oyster). meat. Chicken thighs. Solid tofu. Seeds and nuts, such as: peanuts, cashews, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, chia seeds, and others. Low fat milk. oatmeal. Shiitake mushrooms. Lobsters (Lobster), and crabs (Crab). some vegetables: such as spinach, broccoli, garlic, and curly cabbage (Kale). Whole grains. Dark chocolate. legumes: such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and edamame beans.
The benefits of zinc for men improve fertility in men
Zinc is one of the minerals necessary for male fertility. A study published in the Nutrition Journal indicated that the use of zinc supplements for a period of 6 months can increase the level of testosterone in men who suffer from zinc deficiency. On the other hand, zinc deficiency is associated with a low level of testosterone, poor semen quality, in addition to a higher risk of infertility in men, as a study published in the Nutrition Research Journal in 2009 showed that not consuming enough zinc may be considered a serious health problem. One of the most important risk factors for infertility and poor semen. However, it should be noted that there is not enough evidence to confirm the effectiveness of zinc in enhancing fertility in men.
The benefits of zinc for women are reducing hair loss in people with PCOS
Consuming zinc may help reduce hair loss associated with PCOS, as a study was published in Biological Trace Element Research in 2016, conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on PCOS. It was found that taking 50 milligrams of zinc daily, for a period of 8 weeks, relieved alopecia, and also reduced hirsutism, but it did not affect hormones, vital indicators of oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm its effectiveness in this.
The benefits of zinc for pregnancy reduce the risk of premature birth
The benefits of zinc for pregnancy reduce the risk of premature birth, it is possible to use zinc during pregnancy to reduce the chance of premature birth, but in return it does not reduce other birth problems: Such as low birth weight.
Types of zinc pills
If you want to purchase a zinc supplement, you will find many types available, their effectiveness and effect on your body varies according to their type, so it is best to take them after consulting a doctor.
Here are the types of zinc pills available:
- Zinc gluconate is used for the purpose of treating the common cold. It comes in the form of lozenges and nasal sprays.
- Zinc acetate is also added to lozenges to reduce cold symptoms and speed up recovery, as is zinc gluconate.
- Zinc citrate Like zinc gluconate, it is well absorbed by the body, but has a less bitter taste.
- Zinc sulfate reduces the intensity of acne on the skin, in addition to its effect in preventing zinc deficiency.
