Have you ever considered the small changes you could make to improve your overall health? Often, it’s the smallest elements, like the mineral zinc, that can have the most significant impacts.

Zinc has a number of vital functions, from supporting the immune system and promoting wound healing, to supporting healthy bones, skin and vision. It even acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative stress!

​It also works as a trigger for over 200 different enzymes that are present in virtually every cell of your body and are vital to support your immune function, energy production, bone metabolism, thyroid health, protein digestion, and more. This mineral is also important for the synthesis of protein and the​ genetic material DNA.

Zinc’s benefits are important for women, however, there are a few functions of zinc that may be of particular interest to men. ​

​ So, why should men focus on increasing their zinc intake?

  1. Promotes healthy prostate: Who would’ve thought that zinc is one of the most important nutrients for prostate health. Zinc can help to reduce the risk of developing an enlarged prostate, and also helps to reduce the size of the prostate due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
  2. Promotes healthy muscles and bones: Whether you’re looking to bulk up, or are just concerned about having enough protein to keep your body strong and healthy, zinc is an absolute must-have! Zinc is vital for supporting protein synthesis for muscle growth and has a hand in keeping our​ bones strong, helping men maintain strength as they age.
  3. Facilitates hormone regulation: It’s fascinating that zinc has a role in the production of testosterone, a key hormone that influences everything from mood and libido to muscle mass in men.
  4. Supports mental health: Emerging research shows a link between zinc and mental health, supporting cognitive function, and potentially helping with stress and mood regulation.
  5. Promotes strong, healthy hair: We know that this can be a particular problem for men – especially as you grow older and that hairline begins to slowly recede! Zinc can contribute to healthy hair growth.

​Pretty neat how this little mineral does so much for us, right?

If you’re wondering how to up your zinc game, you can find it in foods like​ red meat, poultry, seafood, whole grains, dairy products, and legumes. But oysters are one of the richest food sources of zinc available. Breakfast cereals and snack bars, like some nutrition bars, are also often fortified with zinc. ​

The healthier sources of zinc containing foods would be those that are not high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

You may also take zinc supplements or multis with zinc in it that we recommend.

Adult men ages 19 and over should aim to take 11 mg of zinc a day, according to the Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact me at Jerry@Fit4LifeLLC.com!

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