Zinc is an essential mineral for the human body that can be found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements. It plays a crucial role in many bodily processes, such as immunity, growth and development, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Thing is, studies have shown that some 15 percent of the US population isn’t getting enough — and that number trends higher in seniors and others who aren’t following a specific dietary regimen.

It’s actually quite easy to add more zinc to your diet (see the bottom of this article for how to do so). Why should you add more zinc to your diet? Here are 10 reasons to ponder.

1. Zinc boosts immunity and can even help reduce the duration of common colds

Zinc helps your body fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, making it an important part of your diet if you’re looking to stay healthy. Studies have even shown that taking a zinc supplement can reduce the duration of common colds. Add more to this paragraph…

Specifically, one study found that taking a zinc supplement reduced the duration of symptoms in adults who were experiencing colds for less than 24 hours. Furthermore, data cited by NPR found that taking a zinc supplement during cold season not only helped reduce the severity but also the length of common colds.

Other studies have shown mixed results as to the amount of zinc necessary and it’s exact effect on colds, but the evidence is clear that it gives your immune system a boost when it needs it most.

2. Zinc helps with growth and development. It is necessary for proper

Zinc is an essential mineral for proper growth and development. It’s necessary for cellular growth, tissue repair, and the synthesis of DNA (genetic material). Zinc also plays a role in cell communication, which helps regulate many bodily functions.

Data shows that adequate zinc is essential for children’s growth and development, as it helps the brain develop during infancy. It also helps create a healthy environment for fetal development in pregnant women. Furthermore, adults need proper amounts of zinc to maintain their muscle and bone health, particularly as they age.

3. Zinc helps to promote normal hormone levels, including metabolism

Zinc helps to regulate levels of hormones in the body, including those that control metabolism. It’s been found to be essential for the production of testosterone and progesterone, two major hormones that regulate metabolic processes such as energy production, fat burning, and muscle building.

There is evidence that indicates zinc deficiency can lead to low testosterone levels in men, which can lead to decreased muscle mass and increased body fat. Adequate zinc intake is necessary for maintaining normal testosterone levels, which can help support a healthy metabolism. In addition, adequate zinc intake may also help balance other hormones, such as estrogen and cortisol, that play a role in metabolic processes.

4. Zinc is necessary for proper DNA synthesis and cell division

Growth doesn’t always come easily. If you think back over your life, the biggest periods of growth — both physical and personal — have likely stemmed from periods of challenge, where the right input was required to generate the right output (proper training for a strenuous physical expedition, for example). In that sense, zinc is equally essential for your growth — as it is required for proper DNA synthesis and cell division.

It plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression, which affects many bodily processes, including energy production and growth. Zinc also helps to repair damaged DNA, which can help reduce the risk of genetic mutations that can lead to a variety of diseases.

5. Zinc is necessary for the absorption of many vitamins and minerals

Zinc is essential for the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, as it helps to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats during digestion. It also plays a role in the production of digestive enzymes that help break down food into smaller particles, allowing them to be absorbed by your body.

In addition, zinc also helps to absorb important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin A. Furthermore, zinc is also necessary for the absorption of water-soluble vitamins such as folate and B12. Adequate intake of zinc can help ensure that you’re getting all the benefits from your daily diet.

6. Zinc aids in digestion by helping the body absorb nutrients from food, which benefits overall health and well-being.

Zinc helps the body absorb nutrients from food — essential, as the whole point of eating is to feel satiated afterward, right? Adequate zinc intake can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, as we noted above, which benefits overall health and well-being.

These benefits extend to physical activity, as well. Adequate zinc intake can help break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, which then can be used for energy production. That’s how you’ll feel great after a long bike ride, rather than simply exhausted.

7. Zinc helps to protect against oxidative stress

Lower oxidative stress can lead to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Zinc plays a critical role in the body’s antioxidant defense system, as the National Library of Medicine has found, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause DNA damage and lead to chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Adequate intake of zinc helps to build up the immune system and protect against oxidative stress, which benefits overall health and well-being.

8. Zinc supports mental and cognitive function

It is also necessary for maintaining normal levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood.  Zinc also increases the production of glutamate, which helps with learning and memory. Adequate zinc intake can help improve mental clarity, concentration, and alertness.

9. Zinc is essential for proper vision, as it helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by free-radicals and other environmental factors.

Zinc is essential for proper vision, as it helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals and other environmental factors. According to research cited by the National Eye Institue, zinc can help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. Zinc also helps protect against cataracts, which can cause cloudy vision and depth perception issues. Adequate intake of zinc can help keep eyes healthy and improve overall vision.

10. Studies have shown that zinc may help reduce inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body fight off disease and heal itself. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of diseases, such as diabetes and cancer. Studies have found that zinc can help reduce inflammation, as it works to inhibit pathways associated with the inflammatory response. Adequate intake of zinc can help prevent chronic inflammation and keep your body healthy and functioning properly.

Finding the right supplement with zinc

Inflammation is associated with many chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce swelling — and this is where it benefits inflammation. Adding a supplement to your diet that contains zinc is a proven way to feel the benefits described above.

You’ve heard the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” At Haka Life we’ve modernized the phrase to, “A serving a day keeps the pain away.” We’re referring to GLX3, our groundbreaking dietary supplement that harnesses the power of New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel oil.

GLX3, from Haka Life Nutrition, is a perfect choice for those seeking relief from joint pain and inflammation to add more zinc to their diet. Each serving of GLX3 contains 100mg of green lipped mussel, an essential natural source of zinc. Many users feel better within six weeks of taking the supplement, and our 90-day guarantee means you can try it out risk-free (we’re confident you’ll stick around).