Eat Foods that Are High in Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that we need to consume in our diet as our body cannot manufacture it. Our body also cannot store zinc, so it’s important that we consume zinc rich foods every day.
It’s the second most abundant trace mineral in the body, after iron, and has a role in numerous biological processes including enzyme activity, the production of proteins and wound healing.
Zinc also plays a critical role in our immune function as it helps to manufacture the cells of the immune system and plays a role in their function. A deficiency in zinc can lead to an unhealthy immune system, leaving us more susceptible to falling ill from viral infections such as those of the tridemic.
Foods that are rich in zinc include fish, shellfish, red meat, poultry, dairy products and eggs. If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, there’s no reason why you can’t still eat zinc rich foods. Plant based sources of zinc include nuts seeds, beans, chickpeas, lentils, oats, brown rice and quinoa. Kale, peas and mushrooms also contain zinc, just to a lesser extent.
Fill up these foods to ensure you consume enough zinc each day to support a healthy immune system.
