Zinc is a mineral necessary to basic biological functions and with an array of benefits. Oysters have the highest zinc content of any food, notes the Office of Dietary Supplements. Most zinc in the American diet comes from fish, poultry, red meat and dairy products. Zinc from animal sources is best absorbed by the human body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plant-based foods, such as many leafy greens, legumes, seeds and nuts, contain high levels of less easily absorbed zinc.
Enabling of Basic Biological Functions
Foods high in zinc ensure your body has enough of the mineral to fulfill certain basic biological functions. As the Linus Pauling Institute explains, zinc is essential to protein and cell membrane structures, vital bodily chemical reactions and enacting the coding contained in DNA. In these roles, zinc does much for human health.
Zinc aids in immune system responses, growth and development, neurological functions and reproductive processes. Zinc also contributes to the body's natural healing process, promotes proper thyroid, insulin and metabolic functions and helps prevent blood clots. The mineral is important for taste, smell and vision as well, and protects against the damage done by free radicals with its antioxidant properties, adds the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Prevention of Macular Degeneration
High zinc consumption may be at least marginally useful in preventing or slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration, one of the primary causes of blindness in people over 65, notes the Linus Pauling Institute. Zinc is probably most useful in inhibiting the onset of advanced stages of age-related macular degeneration, adds the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Disease Prevention
Eating foods high in zinc is a key aspect of preventing illnesses. Zinc plays a primary role in immune system responses, and people with zinc deficiencies are more prone to infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Zinc may be particularly beneficial to the immune system functions of diabetics, states the Linus Pauling Institute. By contributing to efficient wound healing, zinc can also help prevent infections of skin abrasions. The mineral may also assist in healing stomach ulcers, adds the University of Maryland.
Treating ADHD
Foods high in zinc content may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, especially in those with some deficiency, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. While zinc is not known to affect the attention-deficit aspects of the disorder, it may help remedy hyperactivity and problems with socialization and impulse control.
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