{"id":28980,"date":"2022-02-22T17:52:25","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T17:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=28980"},"modified":"2022-06-17T21:38:24","modified_gmt":"2022-06-17T21:38:24","slug":"zinc-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/zinc-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Zinc Can Give You Glowing Skin, Healthier Hair, and a Stronger Immune System"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know zinc can help clear up skin, strengthen hair, and support your immune system<\/a>? Samaria Granberry, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at HUM, breaks down all the zinc benefits to know.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

When you hear the word \u201czinc,\u201d you might automatically think of the opaque white mineral sunscreen<\/a> you slather on before hitting the beach. But this mineral does more than just protect your skin from the sun. Taken orally, it can support your overall health in numerous ways. \u201cZinc has recently come to the forefront of many supplement regimens because of its immune-supporting properties,\u201d says Samaria Grandberry, MS, RDN, LDN<\/a>. But did you know the powerful mineral boasts many other health benefits as well?<\/p>\n\n\n

We spoke to Grandberry about several different zinc benefits you need to know about. From improved immune function to glowing skin<\/a> to stronger hair<\/a>, this powerful mineral packs a serious punch.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is Zinc?<\/h2>\n\n\n

\u201cZinc is an important mineral for cell growth and division and healthy immune function,\u201d Grandberry says. \u201cIt functions as an enzyme of protein<\/a> products, such as collagen (which is the building block of skin, hair, and nails).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

4 Zinc Benefits to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So, what is zinc good for? \u201cIn the body, zinc functions as an enzyme in over 300 reactions, which means it helps to \u2018move along\u2019 processes in the body,\u201d Grandberry says. \u201cIt plays a role in skin strength, lowering inflammation<\/a>, DNA synthesis, and fighting oxidative stress.\u201d Grandberry breaks down four different health benefits, below.<\/p>\n\n\n

Aids Immune System Function<\/h3>\n\n\n

\u201cThe body requires zinc to develop and activate T-lymphocytes, which are a part of the body’s defense mechanism against illness,\u201d Grandberry says. Some research<\/a> shows the association between low zinc levels and increased susceptibility to infections. Zinc has also been shown to lessen the duration and severity of certain acute illnesses, like the common cold.<\/a> So if you feel a cold coming on, taking a zinc supplement could potentially soften the overall blow to your immune system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Maintains Skin Barrier Integrity<\/h3>\n\n\n

As we age, our skin loses its integrity: it becomes less full, less bright, and less even-toned. But zinc can help since it helps to stabilize skin cell walls as they grow and specialize. \u201cIt has been used topically for centuries for conditions like eczema, wounds, dandruff, and as a photoprotective agent,\u201d Grandberry says. Zinc is found in topical skin products such as sunscreens, acne creams, and antifungal shampoos. \u201cIts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties make it a promising choice of therapy for many dermatological conditions<\/a>,\u201d Grandberry adds. But there are benefits to taking zinc for acne orally, too. One study<\/a> found that oral zinc supplementation was effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris. HUM Nutrition\u2019s Daily Cleanse supplement contains zinc along with other natural detoxifiers to help clear your skin from the inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n

Supports Thyroid Hormone Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n

The thyroid<\/a> is an essential endocrine gland, involved in every process in the body. But did you know the metabolism of zinc and thyroid hormones<\/a> are closely intertwined? \u201cZinc deficiency may result in decreased thyroid hormone<\/a> levels,\u201d Grandberry says. \u201cAlterations in thyroid function or deficiencies in zinc can cause similar symptoms to hypothyroidism<\/a> like fatigue, hair loss, lack of appetite, and skin lesions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Boosts Hair Health<\/h3>\n\n\n

\u201cZinc plays an important role in catalyzing the formation of keratin and collagen, which are building blocks of hair,\u201d Grandberry says \u201cIt\u2019s also crucial for DNA replication, such as supporting the rapid turnover of hair cells.\u201d So what exactly does that translate to? Stronger, longer hair. If you\u2019re dealing with hair loss<\/a> or simply want to give your strands a boost, consider adding a zinc supplement (or a supplement with zinc) into your daily routine. HUM Nutrition\u2019s Hair Sweet Hair<\/a> contains zinc, along with other nutrients shown to support healthy hair growth<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

9 Foods High in Zinc<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Despite our bodies not being able to produce zinc naturally, it\u2019s widely available in most foods. \u201cIt\u2019s important to note that zinc from whole grains and other plant-based foods are not best absorbed because phytates can interfere with absorption,\u201d Grandberry says. \u201cPhytates are found in grains and cereals and can impair the absorption of zinc if consumed at the same time.\u201d If you\u2019re hoping to fulfill your zinc intake with beans, for example, Grandberry says you should soak them in water for a couple of hours to decrease their phytate amount. However, there are lots of other foods where zinc is readily available. Some of the best zinc foods to eat are:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n