Foods rich in zinc can stengthen the immune system and help make hundreds of enzymes in the human body.
The best sources of zinc include milk, yeast, peanuts, potato, whole wheat bread, cheese, beans, yogurt, brown rice, wholegrain cereals, etc.
There is an interesting relationship between zinc and protein — people who do not include a sufficient amount of protein in their diets do not have sufficient amounts of zinc in their body. The body can get zinc from protein-rich foods such as nuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Foods rich in zinc also provide the body with the benefits of proteins. These sources of protein include lamb, chicken, clams, salmon, lobster, crabmeat, pork, and beef.
Meat provides up to four times more zinc than vegetarian foods. Because of this, vegetarians generally have less zinc in their bodies.
It is a proven fact that phytic acid in the brain and dietary fibers prohibit the assimilation of zinc. Whole grains are a good source of zinc as they generate enzymes that make phytic acid ineffective.
The effects of zinc on the body can be maximized through the intake of zinc vitamin sources like vitamin C and vitamin E, along with vitamin B6. Some minerals like magnesium can also help in zinc digestion in the human body.
The normal amount of zinc that should be consumed should not be more than 50 milligrams. An overdose of zinc can lead to the reduction of cholesterol, decrease of immunity in the human body, and disturbed copper metabolism.
Other sources of zinc include poultry and sea foods; mainly oysters.Vegetarians can find sources of zinc in lentils, lima beans, and soy products.
Herbs are another source of zinc and help increase zinc levels in the human body. You can make a zinc-rich meal by using sarsaparilla, cayenne, parsley, sage, and fennel seeds.
Zinc is also found in tea made from dandelion, rose hips, and chamomile. Some other herbs that have proven to be good sources of zinc include chickweed, hops, milk thistle, wild yam, skullcap, nettle, eyebright, and mullein.
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