Zinc Minerals Information - Facts, benefits, deficiency disease of Zinc

Zinc acts as a traffic policeman, directing and overseeing the efficient flow of body processes, the maintanance of enzyme systems and cells. Zinc is essential for protien synthesis. Zinc increases the speed at which the hemoglobin in your blood exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide preventing anemia. Zinc is vital for the healthy working of many of the body's systems. It is particularly important for healthy skin and is essential for a healthy immune system and resistance to infection. Zinc also helps in the production of sex hormones, without which causes late sexual maturity. Our body contains about 2-3g of zinc. There are no specific storage sites known for zinc and so a regular supply in the diet is required. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence, and helps sperm develop and is needed for ovulation and fertilization.

It governs the contractibility of muscles and helps in the formation of insulin. Zinc is important for blood stability and in maintaining the body'd acid alkaline balance.

Zinc exerts a normalizing effect on the prostate and is important in the development of all reproductive organs. It is important for brain functioning and the treatment of schizophrenia.

Strong evidence of Zinc requirement for the sysnthesis of DNA. Most Zinc foods is lost in processing, or never exists in substantial amount due to nutrient poor soil.

Zinc Benefits and Uses

• accelerate healing time for internal and external wounds
• get rid of white spots on the finernails
• Zinc help eliminate loss of taste
• aid in the treatment fo infertility
• It is necessary for a healthy immune system, and is also of use in fighting skin problems such as acne, boils and sore throats.
• help avoid prostate problems
• promote growth and mental alertness
• help decrease cholesterol deposits

Zinc food Sources

Round steak, lamb chops, pork loin, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, pumpkin seeds, eggs nonfat dry milk, ground mustard.

Zinc Deficiency Disease

Zinc is needed to properly make the hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Without it, you couldn't absorb calcium. This can lead to a calcium deficiency or even osteoporosis. Other symptoms of zinc deficiency can include hair loss, diarrhoea, fatigue, delayed wound healing, and decreased growth rate and mental development in infants. Zinc has been used in connection with the following conditions:

• Acrodermatitis enteropathica
• Acne
• Childhood intelligence (for deficiency)
• Down's syndrome
• Common cold/sore throat (as lozenges)
• Wound healing (oral and topical)
• Infertility (male) (for deficiency)
• Wilson's disease
• Night blindness (for deficiency)