By Deborah Thomas
There has never been a better time to stay on top of your health during this coronavirus season. With the cold and flu season approaching, it is very essential to be stocked up with the right foods, vitamins and supplements that could potentially keep you away from the hospital. Now is your opportunity to be ahead and ensure your kitchen cupboards are filled with the right foods and your medicine box has got the right vitamins and mineral supplements.
Amongst the various vitamins and minerals that can enhance your overall health is Zinc. This is an important antioxidant that keeps your immune system healthy and well boosted thereby making it easy to fight those viruses and bacteria that cause sickness. Known to promote wound healing and tissue generation, it also keeps the sense of taste and smell working at best.
According to several medical experts, Zinc assist in the production of protein in the body and also helps to combat oxidative stress in the body thereby decreasing the risks of developing serious diseases including cancer.
Deficiency of Zinc in the body could be devastating and may cause several symptoms amongst which are listed below:
– Decreased immunity
– Loss of taste
– Reduced level of alertness
– Skin sore,
– Excessive hair loss,
– Diarrhoea
– Eye sores
It is understandable that it might be difficult to be able to get enough Zinc from your regular food routine, it is suggested by medical experts to add zinc supplements to make up the difference.
Its is relatively easy to get enough zinc needed for the body from the regular day to day foods on a regular basis. Amongst the vast foods rich in Zinc, here are 10 easy foods rich in Zinc that could be part of a Zinc enhanced diet.
1. Spinach
Spinach is a popular vegetable with fantastic properties across the board. Besides the ability to boost the overall body immunity, it has several other health benefits. These include the promotion of gastrointestinal health, eye health, weight loss, reduced hypertension, healthy bones and known for its anti-cancer properties.
2. Kidney beans
Kidney beans are very filling and a fantastic plant based source of zinc which is great news for vegetarians. It helps to maintain a healthy blood glucose levels and provides the body long lasting energy. It is very popular if you are on a food fast and need to eat longer lasting energy foods.
3. Beef
Beef is a superb source of zinc which is much needed to heal damaged body tissues and support a healthy immune system. As it contains very high levels of zinc in such little serving, it is a very effective way to getting adequate required levels of zinc in the body to thrive and grow. Beef is also an excellent source of iron which is needed to produce haemoglobin that helps the blood transfer oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
4. Garlic
Garlic has several thousand years of proven health benefits especially the ability to combat the common colds and flu. It is known as a common seasoning worldwide because it’s highly nutritious and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Although you can’t get a large amount of zinc from a single helping of garlic, cooking with garlic regularly can make an incremental difference.
5. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is delicious, addictive, rich in antioxidants,boost your psychological health, good source of energy, great for the skin, improves blood circulation and has a decent amount of zinc too.
6. Shrimp
Shrimp serves as a good source of zinc especially when combined with vegetable salads. High in antioxidants, protein and fully loaded with vitamins especially vitamin B which is helps with stabilising the blood pressure
7. Peas
Green peas are one the most popular side / starter dishes you can find in many homes. They are delicious, very versatile, easy to cook, loved by all ages. Fresh cooked peas are an excellent source zinc, dietary fibre, protein, promotes digestion, reduces risk of hair loss.
8. Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are super healthy and loaded with minerals that enhance the overall body health. Egg yolks have minerals ranging from calcium. Iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc
9. Mushrooms
Edible Mushrooms are a good source of dietary fibre, antioxidants and have a host vitamins that protects the heart, promotes a healthy brain, known for it’s anti-cancer benefits and has a significant amount of zinc. Dried shiitake mushrooms have a larger amount of Zinc, Vitamin B and Vitamin D.
10. Oysters
Oysters are a great source of zinc and contains more zinc per serving than any other food. Considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, oysters can be eaten raw or cooked. Loaded with a host of benefits from great source of vitamins, promotes healthy skin, excellent protein source and acts as an aphrodisiac.
Please visit your health practitioner to find out your recommended daily dose of since to maintain a good lifestyle
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