29/05/2021
Researchers from Spain reporting at a EuropeanĀ coronavirusĀ conference found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients with low blood levels of zinc tended to fare worse than those with healthier levels.
It has long been thought that zinc bolsters theĀ immune system," said pulmonologist Dr. Len Horovitz, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. A possible explanation in this study is that zinc may have an anti-inflammatory effect that is protective.
Zinc is also required for numerous processes in your body and few of those are :
- Gene expression
- Enzymatic reactions ( Zinc is necessary for the activity of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion, nerve function and many other processes)
- Immune function
- Protein synthesis
- DNA synthesis
- Wound healing
- Growth and development
Foods highest in zinc are as follows and as humans we must not take supplements, rather compliment the need of our tissues naturally through intake of these foods only:
- Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, kidney beans, etc. (Legumes contain high amounts of zinc. However, they also contain phytates, which reduce its absorption. Processing methods like heating, sprouting, soaking or fermenting can help improve its bioavailability)
- Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin Seeds, Cashews, Peanuts, Almonds, Sesame seeds etc.
- Dairy products: Milk, yogurt and cheese (source has to be cow milk for safe health benefits and also fat free as well)
- Eggs (One large egg contains 5% of the DV for zinc, as well as a host of other nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, B vitamins, selenium and choline)
- Whole grains: Oats, Quinoa, Brown rice
- Certain vegetables: Mushrooms, Kale, Peas, Asparagus and Beet Greens