According to a new article in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, zinc is one of the most vital essential trace metals to support a healthy lifestyle. Published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), these findings conclude that zinc is not only crucial to numerous physiological processes, but can also help prevent diseases.1
The adult body contains about two to three grams of zinc, found in organs, tissues, bones, fluids and cells. Alarmingly, nearly 50 percent of the world’s population is at risk for a zinc deficiency. The IFT report reviewed numerous studies that show a relationship between zinc and the following bodily activities:
Cardiovascular System
- Zinc performs a noteworthy role in regulating arterial blood pressure
- Hypertension sufferers metabolize zinc differently
The Brain
- Parkinson’s and Alzheimer patients have lower blood zinc levels
- Studies observed that zinc behaves like an antidepressant
The Liver
- Zinc deficiency occurs in those with liver cirrhosis
- It also occurs in those with less advanced alcoholic/nonalcoholic liver disease
Pregnancy
A mild zinc deficiency can cause increased maternal morbidity, abnormal taste sensation, prolonged gestation, inefficient labor, atonic bleeding and increased risk to fetuses.
Diabetes
- Zinc is very important in the synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin
- Low levels can contribute to diabetes-related conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension and elevated levels of triglycerides
The Healing Process
- Zinc deficiency has been linked with delayed wound healing
- It’s also crucial to the healing of gastric ulcers, especially at the early stage
Pneumonia
Zinc may shorten the duration of severe pneumonia and time spent in the hospital.