Zinc has played a big role in easing the symptoms of a cold, but there’s so much more to this mineral than you may know. It also plays a large role in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which enables your body to use protein to help heal wounds.
The body uses zinc in the generation of cells, which is crucial to the regrowth of skin that is damaged from injuries, aging or environmental causes.
In addition, zinc is good at helping the body with collagen production, reducing free radicals, preventing the growth of bacteria, reducing inflammation, protecting against the sun and also promoting the healing of skin. Because your body has no natural way to store zinc, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your daily dose.
The good news is that zinc is naturally present in some foods and available as a supplement. Here’s a list of foods highest in zinc: oysters, toasted wheat germ, crab, lamb, peanuts, dark chocolate and pork loin.
The recommended daily dose for women 19 years and up is eight milligrams, and for men 14 years and up it’s 11 milligrams.
—Ninette Terhart
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