Zinc we are often told is good for the immune system. True, but apparently viruses like it too! What does that mean? Taking that zinc lozenge may not always be the best idea if it is a virus you are fighting.
Yet, zinc is a very important mineral, especially for men. Zinc is one of the key ingredients for the prostate gland. Men will want to make sure they are getting sufficient zinc. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Zinc supports the formation of many enzymes and insulin. The same insulin we need for blood sugar control. It also assists with wound healing, reproductive organ growth and development, and metabolism of phosphorus, carbohydrates, and proteins. Putting it simply – zinc helps many body processes work.
Zinc also has a special relationship with copper – one of antagonism. That means if your zinc levels rise, your copper levels will decrease, or if your copper levels rise, your zinc levels will decrease. This is very significant for women as too much copper can make them “copper crazy”. Too much copper throws hormones out of balance and results in many of the “female symptoms”. What gets copper levels high? The big three are birth control pills, copper IUDs, and soy (another reason not to like soy).
Zinc is found in many foods including almonds, beets, carrots, cashews, Cheddar cheese, green peas, lamb, lean beef and pork, liver, milk, mushrooms, peanuts, poultry, pumpkin seeds, seafood (crabs, oysters, shrimp), sesame seeds, spinach, wheat germ, whole grains, and yogurt. Lots of healthy food choices to get your zinc!
