Zinc is one of the essential nutrients found in your body.
Typically people can get enough zinc through their diet by eating foods like red meat, chicken, shellfish, and whole grains.
Zinc is mainly important for the body’s immune system to function properly. It is also found in our cells so it can assist with wound healing and certain enzyme processes.
Along with that, Zinc is important for our sense of taste and smell.
A Zinc deficiency can be detected through a simple blood test as well as a unique taste test method at home.
To perform this test, you put a few milliliters of liquid zinc in your mouth and depending on the taste you can tell if you are deficient or not.
An immediate and strong metallic taste indicates proper zinc levels while a dry or sweet taste can indicate a deficiency.
Who Benefits From Zinc?
Zinc is most beneficial for those that are deficient whether due to dietary needs or a medical condition.
For example, those that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are more at risk for some nutrient deficiencies because they are not consuming red meat, chicken, shellfish, or other foods that are rich in zinc.
Similarly, those that have weakened immune systems or are at risk for certain infections and disease due to genetics or a medical condition may also benefit from zinc because of the role it plays in ensuring that our immune system can defend our body against foreign or harmful pathogens.
What Should You Look For in a Zinc Supplement?
Zinc is available on the market in a variety of forms: capsules, liquid tinctures, powders, etc.
When looking for a supplement it is always best to buy from a company that is transparent. By that I mean any company that clearly identifies the ingredients and quantity of that ingredient on the label.
Furthermore, zinc is an effective solution for those that are looking to target their immune system when it is combined with other nutrients or herbs like Vitamin C or Elderberry.
I believe it is important to target the body’s system from multiple pathways whenever possible. But of course, before starting any new supplement it is always best to consult your physician.
References & Disclaimers
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author