Getting enough foods high in zinc, is essential for many functions in the body to work as they should. Zinc is one of those minerals responsible for almost everything, from protein synthesis to cellular metabolism, as well as hormone and energy regulation. A powerful
Getting enough foods high in zinc, is essential for many functions in the body to work as they should. Zinc is one of those minerals responsible for almost everything, from protein synthesis to cellular metabolism, as well as hormone and energy regulation. A powerful antioxidant, zinc is directly related to cell division, wound healing, thyroid regulation, maintaining good vision and even increased libido. Zinc also plays a major role in healthy hair growth, as the growing of our hair depends on normal cell reproduction.
Depending on your age, various life cycles and events (such as pregnancy, lactation, and vegetarianism) the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of zinc can vary from 2 mg to 13 mg, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Since your overall health DOES make a difference; what goes on inside your body reflects on the outside, especially when it comes to your hair.
Why Do Vegetarians Need to Increase Zinc Consumption?
Many grain and plant-based foods contain a substance, called phylates which cause the zinc to bind, making absorption less efficient and decreasing the bioavailability, says the Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Since the body can not store zinc, it’s necessary to keep up with it on a daily basis.
The Best Foods High in Zinc
So if you are suffering from zinc deficiency or just want to make sure you get enough zinc on every day, you should make sure you get enough of these foods high in zinc.
Although most fish, including crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops and salmon, contain zinc, the oyster is really king. Just six medium ones will give you more than 400% of your RDA! They’re versatile, too—you can eat them cooked, breaded or canned. Oh, and it is the high zinc levels that make oysters increase the libido. Oysters also has Vitamin C (a good antioxidant), B-12, iron and selenium.
Meat and Poultry
After oysters, this is the next best thing. Just 3 ounces of beef will give you 7 grams! As for poultry, the dark meat has a little more than the white.
Such as chickpeas and lentils, aren’t just packed with zinc, but also with vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you use the chickpeas, combine them with sesame seeds, another high-zinc food, to make hummus—and the count is almost 7 grams. Eaten alone, chickpeas and lentils are about 4 grams.
Just one cup of shitake or crimini will give you 9% and 7%, respectively, of the RDA. Don’t let these little guys fool you—they pack a powerful punch when it comes to healing properties. In fact, one study revealed that shitake mushrooms were foun