Zinc is one of the most important minerals found in
our body. Naturally this mineral is found in some foods and is also available
in the form of health supplements. Our body has about 2 – 3 g of zinc or about
60% in muscles, and 30% in bones. So, in other words, zinc is instrumental in
so that our bodies can stand upright. The remaining 10%, zinc is found in
teeth, hair, nails, skin, liver, leukocytes (white blood cells), prostate,
cement, and others.
Some functions of Zinc in the body
Enzyme function and formation
Zinc is used by more than 100 different enzymes in
our body, where it participates in the chemical process of building whatever
the body needs or prevents things that can interfere with health. Here are a
few examples:
Thyroid function – Zinc is used to create TRH
hormones, or hormones that act on signaling the thyroid to create thyroid
hormones. It is by converting proteins from foods we eat into amino acids,
including tyrosine that strengthens the production of thyroid hormones. In the
end zinc participates in the manufacture of T3 active form used in muscles.
Bone formation – Zinc is used by enzymes to produce
collagen and alkali phosphates (ALP), which is a very important substance for
bone formation. It is also used to produce calcitonin, or a hormone that serves
to inhibit bone damage. 30% of zinc found in cells is in the nucleus. This is
natural because this mineral is instrumental in the DNA and replication of
cells and proteins needed by the body.
Zinc is essential for immune function
Zinc is essential as the first line of defense in
our body. This first line is represented by the physical prevention of the
disease, such as the skin and mucous membrane lining of the body. Zinc is found
in the secretion of mucous in our respiratory system, and also on the surface
of the lungs and throat. It has antimicrobial effect, so it helps to turn off
bacteria and viruses before infecting. Zinc is also secreted in saliva and
mucous membranes from the digestive system to kill bacteria that are swallowed
with food.
Not only is it beneficial to support the defense of
immune, zinc also supports the production of white blood cells and activates
the B and T cells needed by the immune system to fight against viruses and
bacteria.
Zinc is an antioxidant
Zinc is also beneficial to protect our cell
membranes from damage caused by free radical impacts that can be caused by
heavy metals in the body, such as iron or copper. Zinc is also an important
part of the antioxidant in the body called superoxide dismutase, which is
needed by the liver organs to bind to toxins that will be removed from the
body.
Common signs of zinc deficiency
- Stretch marks
- Acne
- Nail white spots
- Growth disorders
- Hair loss
- Anorexia
- Long wound healing
- Chronic and severe diarrhea
- Low immune system
- Low Night vision
- Dry skin
- Pitates found in foods such as wheat, rice, and corn and nuts, can reduce the absorption of zinc. This means that vegetarians and vegans are strictly at risk of zinc deficiency, because these foods are often very high in their diets.
- Zinc absorption can be interrupted by iron, copper and calcium
- Contraceptive pills
- Lose a lot of sweat – usually sportsmen and heavy workers
- Diarrhea – People with persistent diarrhea – including people with inflammatory bowel sease, as well as indigestion with absorption disorders.
- Diabetes, liver, or kidney disease
- Caffeine intake and excessive alcohol intake
- Antacids and antibiotics
- Stress
- Animal proteins such as chickens, sheep, cows, and eggs
- Fish and seafood especially oysters
- Sources of vegetable include nuts, grains, tofu, yeast, mushrooms, green beans, pumpkin seeds or sesame, green leafy vegetables, and avocado.
- Sea vegetables such as seaweed and spirulina
Eye Health
Zinc is also needed by the liver to synthesize
vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. It is also a part of the
mechanism for transporting vitamin A in blood to the eye area.
Healthy Skin
Zinc has antioxidant properties that provide skin
protection from UV. It is important in producing collagen for wound healing and
preventing dry and allergic skin conditions. This is particularly beneficial in
the treatment of acne due to its importance in regulating the oil and
anti-inflammatory glands in the skin. Teenage boys need a lot of zinc for
growth and development of sexual.
Men's Health and fertility
Oysters are known as healthy aphrodisiacs, this may
be due to its high zinc content. Since zinc is shown to be stored in the
prostate, testis and sperm, it should also benefit the health and fertility of
men. Research suggests that zinc supplements could increase the amount of
sperm, motility and morphology.
Hitting zinc also helps reduce the likelihood of
prostate enlargement. This is especially important for men over the age of 50,
as they are more at risk with BHP (benign pro static hyperplasia).
Mood and Brain health
Zinc is also found in the brain, and has been shown
to reduce oxidative damage. This damage is related to the development of some
diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Zinc also has a calming effect on the brain, so
that if deficiencies can cause agitation and decreased mood. Low levels of zinc
are also found in people who are severely depressed, and there is a suspected
link between zinc and the absorption of serotonin in the brain. There is also
research that demonstrates the benefits of zinc for children with autism and
ADHD. There is also a relationship between low zinc and postnatal depression.
Immune
Zinc is one of the nutrients to boost the immune
system, and thus helps prevent disease.
Consuming too much zinc can also be bad for
health, which can cause intoxication, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and headaches. Be sure to get a test of
yourself at pharmacies or doctors before adding zinc supplements.