Zinc is a mineral that our body needs. It craves it even. Without it, our bodies would crumble. “Zinc is such a critical element in human health that even a small deficiency is a disaster,” explained scientists. It is found in every tissue in our bodies and is required for cell division to take place properly. It can prevent many types of cancer as well as maintain appropriate endocrine function keeping hormone levels constant and leveled. Zinc, in simple terms, is essential to maintaining overall good health and can help keep our skin looking beautiful too. Surprisingly, as important as zinc is to our bodies, we only require an intake of 8 to 15 mg a day. Most of the foods we eat are rich in zinc so zinc deficiency is rare in developed countries.
Benefits of Zinc for Overall Health and Our Skin
1. Zinc is vital for our immune systems to work properly and keep us healthy and strong
2. Will improve your cardiovascular health
3. Releases toxins from the brain and can prevent Alzheimer’s disease
4. Improves male and female reproductive health and fertility
5. Can reduce acne by taking zinc orally in supplement form and by applying it topically to your skin daily
6. Zinc can specifically kill acne by minimizing excess oil, also known as sebum, which the skin produces naturally. Increased amount of oil can clog pores with oil and acne-causing bacteria which causes acne breakouts.
7. It can also heal skin damaged by acne heal more quickly and with less scarring when applied topically.
8. It has been proven to reduce signs of redness, inflammation, and pain for those suffering with Rosacea.
9. Zinc can heal general open wounds and cuts more quickly when applied topically to the skin. Combine with chondroitin sulfate to make a great ointment you can use at home when needed.
10. Skin sores and cold sores on the lips (caused by herpes simplex virus) can be healed and prevented from future outbreaks by utilizing a glycerin-based zinc oxide cream topically to the sore. Cold sores can heal up to a day and a half to two days faster than without usage of the cream.
11. Shampoo that contains zinc has been found to reduce scalp issues like dandruff and certain fungal infections that can severely irritate the scalp.
12. If you are a parent and your baby suffers from diaper rash, zinc has been proven to help treat this condition.
UV Protection
We all know how harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can be when our skin is overexposed to the sun on a continuous basis. Luckily, we have skin protection with SPF sunscreen. One of the main ingredients in sunscreen is zinc oxide, known to block UV rays from damaging the skin and preventing skin cancer from forming. Skin cancer is on the rise so use that zinc-infused sunscreen to protect your skin while slowly building up that beautiful sun-kissed glow.
Foods Rich in Zinc
1. Oysters
2. Low-Fat Roast Beef
3. Wheat Germ
4. Veal Liver
5. Dried Watermelon Seeds
6. Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seeds
7. Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
8. Crab Meat, especially Alaskan King Crab due to its large size
9. Lamb
10. Roasted Peanuts
As you can see, zinc can not only help your skin look better and clearer, it can also dramatically improve your overall health. Zinc can prevent cancer, keep your brain active and “clean” of toxins, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Incorporate foods rich in zinc into your daily diet to start healing your body from the inside out.
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