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Why You Need Zinc
Your body doesn’t store zinc, so you need to get enough every day to avoid a deficiency. While rare in the U.S., symptoms of a zinc deficiency include:
- Appetite loss
- Poor immune function
- Delayed healing
- Hair loss
- Difficulty tasting properly
Children, teens, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with conditions such as digestive disorders or sickle cell disease, and those who eat a plant-based diet are most at risk for zinc deficiencies.
The amount of zinc you need varies based on factors such as age and sex. On average, adult women need 8 milligrams (mg) of zinc daily, and adult men need 11 mg a day. Women who are pregnant require at least 11 mg daily, and those who are breastfeeding should aim for 12 mg daily.
Read Also : 10 Zinc-Rich Plant-Based Recipes to Keep You Strong and Healthy!
Immune Health
Zinc is an essential mineral for your immune system. Too little zinc may increase your risk of developing a cold, pneumonia, or infection. Zinc helps activate T-cells, which control and regulate your immune response and attack and destroy infected cells.
Wound Healing
Your skin holds about 5% of your body’s total zinc content. The mineral plays a role in cell growth, collagen formation, and inflammatory responses, making it essential for proper wound healing.
Reduced Inflammation
Oxidative stress, which occurs as a result of free radicals in the body, contributes to increased inflammation in the body. This raises your risk of developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. Zinc can help decrease oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Reduced Risk of Certain Age-Related Diseases
Zinc may reduce your risk of developing certain age-related conditions like pneumonia and age-related macular degeneration. Studies show that zinc, combined with antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, can help decrease vision loss.
Read Also : 5 Vegetarian Alternatives That Contain More Protein Than An Egg
Foods with Zinc
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might have a greater risk of a zinc deficiency. But there are plenty of plant foods to help you meet your daily requirements. These five plant foods are good sources of zinc:
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Legumes
Legumes—including lentils, beans, and chickpeas—are high in protein and important vitamins and minerals like zinc. A half-cup of chickpeas has 1.3 mg of zinc, and a half-cup of kidney beans has 0.9 mg. Keep in mind that they do contain phytates, which can affect the absorption of zinc. Cooking, sprouting, or fermenting legumes can help reduce phytates, making it easier for your body to absorb the mineral.
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Nuts
Nuts are full of protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They can provide varying amounts of zinc, too. For instance, a 1-ounce serving of cashews has 1.6 mg, while the same amount of dry-roasted almonds has 0.9 mg.
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Seeds
Seeds are another excellent source of zinc. An ounce of pumpkin seeds contains 2.2 mg. Sesame seeds have 0.6 mg per tablespoon, and a 3-tablespoon serving of hemp seeds has almost 3 mg.
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Oats
Oats provide many important vitamins and minerals, and they’re linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and other health issues. A half-cup of oats provides 1.5 mg of zinc. Like legumes, oats (and other whole grains) contain phytates, which can affect how well your body absorbs the mineral.
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Tofu
Made from soybeans, tofu is an excellent source of protein, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. A 4-ounce serving has 1.8 mg of zinc. Since it absorbs flavors well, many vegans and vegetarians use tofu to replace meat in various types of recipes.
