Zinc: The Health Wonder Nutrient

CCO Public Domain - Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that stimulates the activity of about 100 enzymes in the body. It also supports a healthy immune system and is necessary to synthesize DNA.

In the 1800's surgeons used zinc as an antiseptic/antibiotic after surgery, noting its amazing healing properties. Wounds would heal, at times, as quickly as 24 hours after an operation, without swelling, and scarring.

Proper zinc levels offer a potent defence against the entrance of pathogens. Without enough zinc, your skin is the first to show it. At puberty, the sexual organs steal all of the zinc in the development stages, which is why acne is the warning light that you are low in this mineral. 

Because zinc is found in the body fluids, proper levels of zinc tend to stop body odour, including foot odor.  Deficiency can also lead to a wide variety of degenerative diseases and illnesses, with heavy losses occurring in sweating. Athletes are therefore particularly susceptible to zinc deficiency. 

Zinc is very effective for proper brain function, in hormone production, improves sex drive and has been proven to reduce the size of the prostrate gland, helps prevent prostate cancer and is important for the proper maintenance of the male reproductive system.  Severe zinc deficiency has been shown to cause male sterility.

Deficiency Symptoms: Alzheimer's, Angina, Anorexia, Bulimia, Paranoia, Body Odor, Hair Loss, Obesity, Acne, Alcoholism,, Infertility, Infections, Diabetes, Decreased Libido, PMS, Hypo- Hyper- Tension, Thyroid Disorders, Crohns Disease

Sources:

1) Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D., Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer's Updated Fact/Book on Zinc and Other Micro-Nutrients, (Keats Publishing, Inc., 1978), pg. 13.

2) Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D., Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer's Updated Fact/Book on Zinc and Other Micro-Nutrients, (Keats Publishing, Inc., 1978), pg. 53.

3) Bernard Jensen, Ph.D., The Chemistry of Man, (Bernard Jensen, 1983) pg. 366