The beneficial effects of zinc on the body are obvious. It supports hair and skin in a healthy, attractive appearance. A trace element is found in all cells of the body, therefore, when it is deficient, the work of vital systems is disrupted, and diseases appear. Why does the body need zinc - an important and necessary question, the answer to which can be found in this article.
Role in the human body
A person contains only 2-3 grams of a microelement, most of it is localized in the skeleton and muscles (about 60%), the remaining 40% are in the blood cells, skin and sperm in men. The main processes in which zinc is actively involved:
- improves skin condition by regulating the functioning of the sebaceous glands, stimulating the production of hormones and cell regeneration;
- prevents the appearance of inflammatory processes, accelerates wound healing;
- provides strength to bones and teeth;
- participates in the process of assimilation of vitamin A;
- stimulates the production of hormones of the prostate gland;
- participates in the breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates;
- normalizes the work of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes;
- improves the condition of the human immune system, promotes the production of antibodies, white blood cells and various hormones;
- improves brain activity and strengthens the nervous system.
Zinc is especially needed for pregnant women. It provides the correct cell division, the full formation of all organs, tissues and bones of the fetus. In addition, zinc has a great influence on the formation and functioning of the senses, in particular, vision and taste. Knowing what zinc is needed for the body, you can understand how it affects the functioning of vital systems. Also, it will help to timely detect a microelement deficiency.
List of Products Containing Zinc
The saturation of the body with elements occurs due to the use of certain foods. Knowing how much trace element is contained in food products, you can think over your diet to avoid its deficiency.
Why does the body need zinc? It affects the reproductive function in women and men, which is why before conception it is recommended to adhere to a diet and eat a large amount of trace elements in food.
The greatest amount of substance is found in algae and marine products. In vegetables and fruits, it is detected in a minimal amount. Leaders in the content of zinc can be considered oysters and wheat bran. In legumes and meat products, it is also found in high concentration.
Zinc: why does the body need this trace element, the daily norm for an adult
For normal functioning, a person should receive 15 mg of this substance with food daily. Of this amount, 11-12 mg of the microelement is excreted from the body, so as a result, only 2-3 mg comes from food.
The conclusion about the sufficiency of the trace element can be made by the condition of the hair, skin and nails, since it is from them that zinc is excreted last. The micronutrient is most quickly washed out of muscles, bones and blood plasma.
It is important to note that during the period of carrying the baby and breastfeeding, the woman's body needs a double and even triple dosage of zinc, since it affects many important processes and ensures the correct cell division.
Deficiency symptoms
Due to the strong influence of the microelement on all processes in the body with its deficiency, specific symptoms immediately appear:
- violation of metabolic processes;
- irritability, apathy;
- decreased visual acuity;
- distortion of taste perception;
- hair loss;
- trembling fingers;
- weakening of the body's immune defense;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- loss of appetite;
- frequent dermatitis.
What is zinc needed for? Since it contributes to the production of lymphocytes and phagocytes, with its lack in the body, tumor processes begin to develop. In addition, a micronutrient deficiency leads to a disruption in the functioning of the reproductive system, slows down the process of growth and cell division, and the appearance worsens (hair falls out, nails peel and break, and inflammation appears on the skin).
If these symptoms are found in oneself, it is necessary to consult a doctor, normalize nutrition (adhere to a diet with a lot of zinc) and take vitamin complexes that improve the body and restore it.
Consequences of micronutrient deficiency
A micronutrient deficiency in the human body can lead to:
- atherosclerosis;
- epilepsy;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- memory problems
- cancerous tumors;
- gynecological diseases, including infertility.
With a deficiency of zinc in the liver, the absorption of vitamin A is impaired, the body is oversaturated with alcohol, phosphates, anabolics. For women seeking to preserve their youth and beauty, this substance is the most important trace element.
Knowing why zinc is needed in the human body, we can conclude that with its lack, skin aging quickly occurs, hair falls out, nails peel off, rashes appear on the face.
What is the danger of excess
The best option is to compensate for the micronutrient deficiency by maintaining a balanced diet, since no nutritional supplements can replace the natural zinc compounds. But vitamin complexes are also a way out.
Important! The main thing is to observe the measure in everything. This is especially true for taking vitamin complexes. With excess, severe poisoning can occur, in some cases a fatal outcome occurs.
Zinc: what is the body of a man for
The element directly affects the sexual viability of a man, as it provides sufficient testosterone production. This male hormone is responsible for sex drive, strength and strength of the body. With its lack, prostate adenoma and other diseases develop.
After forty years, a man's testosterone production decreases, so during this period it is necessary to consume as many foods containing zinc as possible. This will prevent the development of age-related diseases, remain in force longer. This is exactly what zinc is for in a man’s body.
When the family plans replenishment, the man needs to undergo a follow-up examination. And also increase the intake of products containing zinc. This will improve the quality of seminal fluid, increase the chances of a successful conception and prevent the appearance of abnormalities in the development of the fetus. After all, it is zinc that is responsible for the correct cell division and the formation of all organs in the unborn child.
In diabetes, the use of a daily dose is necessary, it normalizes the level of glucose in the blood. In addition, the trace element is involved in the formation of lymphocytes and antibodies, improving the body's defenses.
The effect of zinc on the female body
The fair sex actively responds to lack of an element, so it is very easy to determine this condition: irritability and fatigue increase, visual acuity decreases, weight loss occurs, skin defects appear and the frequency of colds increases. Zinc affects the hormonal background of a woman, ensuring the absence of PMS, painful menstruation and mood swings.
With a micronutrient deficiency, depression develops, nervous breakdowns occur, apathy sets in. Since this substance is actively involved in the production of the hormone of happiness - serotonin, it greatly affects the mental health of a woman. This fact gives a clear answer to the question of why zinc is needed in a woman's body.
With a trace element deficiency, scratches heal for a long time, the postoperative period is difficult and often with complications. That is why it is especially important for pregnant women to regularly monitor the balance of trace elements in the body in order to effectively recover after childbirth or cesarean section.
How to saturate the body with zinc
To eliminate the deficit, you must adhere to a certain diet. Specialists also often prescribe certain drugs with zinc compounds. They are not suitable for everyone and can cause digestive disorders.
Knowing what zinc is, why the body needs it, it is possible to prevent a micronutrient deficiency by eating daily:
- beef - meat contains a large number of various substances that are necessary for the full functioning of all organs and systems of the body;
- boiled egg yolks;
- legumes;
- seafood;
- cheese;
- blackcurrant;
- nuts - almonds are especially useful (you need to eat nuts in small quantities, as they affect the functioning of the stomach);
- honey;
- raspberries;
- dates;
- apples
- pumpkin seeds;
- bran;
- sprouted wheat.
It is easy enough to follow a diet, as each person can afford to buy these products. Following the rules of good nutrition, you can prevent the imbalance of trace elements and always maintain the state of your body at the highest level. Thanks to this, there will be no questions about why zinc is needed for the body, how to make up for its deficiency.