I want to share with you perhaps one of the most important trace minerals you can add to your daily health and wellness regimen.
Why?
Because I rarely see this trace mineral discussed. I follow a lot of different supplement companies and I never see this mineral talked about as much as it should (especially considering how important it is for your body).
And because it’s estimated that about 10% of the U.S. population consumes less than half of the recommended dietary allowance, many are at an increased risk for deficiency — which can lead to a variety of physical ailments.
What’s more, is that experts predict as many as 40% of the elderly population is at risk for a deficiency — which is extra important because this trace mineral boosts your immune system and helps ward off infections.
So what is this trace mineral?
Zinc!
And here’s why zinc is so important:
Zinc is crucial for the synthesis of proteins and helps regulate cell production. Over 300 enzymes require zinc to function correctly — which are vital for life!
And since zinc is a trace mineral, your body does not naturally produce it. Meaning, if you aren’t getting enough zinc through your diet you need to supplement it.
Let’s discuss the 3 main benefits of zinc:
1. Improving your immune system
Your body needs zinc to activate your T cells, according to the European Journal of Immunology.
Your body uses T cells in two ways:
- To control and regulate immune responses
- To attack infected or cancerous cells
And this has never been more important as COVID-19 is still circulating through the country. James A. Robb, an MD, a pathologist, and molecular virologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine wrote the following in an email to his colleagues:
“In my experience as a virologist and pathologist, zinc will inhibit the replication of many viruses, including coronaviruses. I expect COVID-19 will be inhibited similarly, but I have no direct experimental support for this claim.”
Remember, COVID-19 is simply a type of coronavirus like the common cold is and there’s no direct evidence it will inhibit COVID-19 symptoms similarly. But most of the deaths of COVID-19 have been due to immunocompromised people falling ill. Zinc is one of the best minerals for improving your overall immune system, especially in elderly adults.
Now let’s circle back to a point I made above…
2. Zinc looks promising at halting (and potentially preventing) cancer cell growth
Before I start on this one, a quick disclaimer:
There hasn’t been enough research into zinc as a way to halt or prevent cancer. However, there are some studies that show promise in this regard.
Here’s an excerpt from the Indian Journal of Medical Research:
“A large body of evidence suggests that a significant percentage of deaths resulting from cancer could be avoided through greater attention to proper and adequate nutrition. Although many dietary compounds have been suggested to contribute in the prevention of cancer, yet there is a strong evidence to support the fact that zinc, a key constituent or cofactor of over 300 mammalian enzymes, may be of particular importance in host defense against the initiation and progression of cancer.”
The study goes on to say:
“Zinc deficiency and cell mediated immune dysfunctions were frequently present in patients with head and neck cancer and zinc deficiency was associated with an increased tumour size and the overall stage of the cancer… (T)he overwhelming clinical evidence provides a compelling rational basis…(t)hat zinc could be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.”
In other words, evidence suggests that a zinc deficiency is correlated to increased tumor sizes and the overall stage of cancer. And that zinc could be effective against head, neck, and prostate cancers.
A more recent study conducted at the University of Texas at Arlington concluded that zinc can significantly inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells. But enough research hasn’t been done on whether zinc is effective at halting the proliferation of other types of cancers.
The leading belief behind why zinc is effective against cancer is due to its antioxidant agents, which help fight oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is behind many diseases, including cancer. But enough research has not been conducted to fully confirm these beliefs.
3. Decreases your risk of age-related chronic diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
We’ve known for decades that zinc plays a vital role in proper immune function. That said, a zinc deficiency has been linked to increased inflammation in chronic disease and triggering new inflammatory processes. Zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is the main cause of chronic diseases that wreak havoc on your quality of life.
More, zinc prevents cellular damage in your retina, which delays the progression of AMD and vision loss. This is especially important considering it’s estimated 40% of the elderly population is deficient in zinc.
There are many other possible benefits of zinc, which include:
- May boost libido and fertility in men and women
- Aids in maintaining testosterone levels in men and women
- Supports healthy and proper growth in children
- Promotes healthy prostate function
- Increases energy, focus, and stamina
- Supports bone strength
- Aids in better nutrient absorption of other vitamins and minerals
And there are a lot more potential benefits!
But, a word of caution:
Taking too much zinc can be detrimental to your health. Excessive amounts of zinc can make you lose your appetite, nauseous, give you stomach pains, headaches, or kidney stones. The reason is most likely linked to suppressing your copper absorption.
So it’s important to also supplement with copper if you supplement with zinc daily. That’s why I recommend the following two zinc supplements over any other ones on the market — they’re not isolated nutrients, but instead contain many other nutrients, including copper.
Those products are:
1. Oysterzinc by Smidge
The zinc in Oysterzinc uses 100% real oysters from the pristine waters off Ireland. 60 oysters are used in every bottle and include no shell, fillers, or flow agents.
Oysters are the richest source of naturally occurring zinc, 10 times more than red meat.
In addition to being loaded with zinc (and it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents), here’s what else is included in Oysterzinc:
- 19 amino acids including Taurine
- 59 minerals including zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, selenium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and sodium
- 12 vitamins including a good amount of Vitamin B12, along with smaller amounts of other B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin C
- Omega 3s DHA and EPA
This is one of our most popular products in our store and is frequently selling out. Click here to order a bottle before they’re gone.
2. Oyster Power from Traditional Foods Market
Similar to Oysterzinc, this zinc supplement is made with 100% real oysters — no shells, fillers, or flow agents – and comes from the clean waters off Ireland.
Click here to order Oyster Power.
Before I wrap this email up, I want to nail home one point for all my vegans and vegetarians:
Since most of the foods with the highest zinc content are from animals, you need to be extra cautious that you’re getting enough of your daily zinc intake.
Some of the best vegan-friendly foods you can eat for zinc include baked beans, peas, pecans, and peanuts. Though most vegans and vegetarians would benefit from supplementing daily with zinc.
Try Catie’s Immune Bloom for a vegan supplement that is naturally high in Zinc.
Click here to order Catie’s Immune Bloom.
(If you’re curious about which foods have the highest zinc content, Google it or send me an email — this article is already super long enough without that info 😉
