You need a variety of minerals to support the proper function and health of all parts of your body. Zinc is an important mineral because it is responsible for many aspects of cellular metabolism. Infants and toddlers need between 2 and 3 mg per day, and older children need 5 to 8 mg. Adult males require 11 mg, and adult females require between 8 and 9 mg. Add lean meat, fortified cereal, beans, nuts and oatmeal to your diet to get the zinc you need.
Immunity
A strong and healthy immune system is an important way to prevent illness and disease, and eating certain nutrients will encourage this system to work properly. Zinc is a crucial nutrient to include in your daily diet because it plays such a major role in building up your defenses and maintaining the health of your immune system. Many over-the-counter cold remedies and lozenges contain some zinc.
Wound Healing
Ancient Egyptians used zinc as one method for healing wounds. Many types of wounds were treated with zinc, although MayoClinic.com notes that clinical trials need to be performed before it can be concluded that zinc has this ability. Zinc has been shown to effectively treat some patients with gastric ulcers, but more evidence is needed for other wounds, including boils, burns, closed head wounds and incision wounds.
DNA Replication and Cell Division
Your body needs sufficient amounts of zinc for DNA replication and cell division, two processes necessary for health, growth and development. DNA is an essential substance because it enables human beings to survive by allowing your body to use the messages sent by DNA to make proteins, which are responsible for all of the functions of your body. Cell division allows your body to maintain its health by constantly reproducing and replacing each of the cells that make up all of the parts of your body. Without sufficient amounts of zinc, these processes would not be possible.
Fetal and Childhood Development
Expectant mothers need extra zinc while pregnant because growing babies require plenty of this mineral to grow and develop normally. You need 11 to 12 mg of zinc each day throughout your pregnancy to ensure that both you and your baby get what you need for good health. Furthermore, zinc continues to be important once your baby is born because it promotes healthy development throughout childhood and adolescence.
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