Zinc, An Important Antioxidant Mineral

Nutrient Family:    

• Mineral

 

Zinc may not be considered an antioxidant in the “traditional sense” based on how other antioxidants function – that is, by donating an electron to neutralize the free radical, and in the process, becoming a lesser potent free radical themselves. In the case of zinc (and as with, Hydrogen), it chemically combines with free radicals to neutralize the free radicals. In doing so, removes the oxidative stress and by that, is considered an antioxidant … as the very purpose of an antioxidant is to remove that oxidative stress (or, neutralize free radicals).

Zinc's Working

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant : 

• Water Soluble
  

 

Other functions besides being an antioxidant, required for:

• the normal growth, development and function of mammals

                 o   building proteins

                 o   triggering enzymes

                 o   creating DNA

• the proper functioning of the immune system
• glandular, reproductive and cell health

Examples of signs of deficiency :

• mental disorders
• impairment of taste
• a poor immune response
• skin problems
• hair loss
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• delayed wound healing
• decreased growth rate and mental development in infants
• impotence

Where Is Zinc Found Naturally?

Found in our body:

• All body tissues

Examples of food sources:

• Toasted Wheat Germ
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and Squash Seeds
• Dried Watermelons Seeds
• Dark chocolate
• Peanuts
• Oysters
• Crab
• Beef
  
• Lamb
• Mutton
• Liver

Health Benefits of Zinc

Examples of the health benefits of Zinc :

• protects against UV radiation
• enhances wound healing
• contributes to immune and neuropsychiatric functions
• decreases the relative risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease

                o   esophageal cancer

                o   bronchial cancer

                o   prostate cancer

• prevents inflammatory diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis
• promotes healthy hair, skin, eyes, bones
• prevention of plague build up in brain
  

 

Possible Interactions

• prevents the absorption of other trace minerals supplements

                o   copper

                o   iron

• too much Zinc can cause :

                 o   nausea

                 o   vomiting

                 o   loss of appetite

                 o   abdominal cramps

                 o   diarrhea

                  o  headaches

 

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