How to Eat More Zinc

Zinc is probably essential for more body functions than any other mineral. It metabolizes carbohydrates, maintains body tissue and sexual function, detoxes the body and synthesizes DNA.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Seeds
• Chili Powders
• Fish
• Ginger Roots
• Grains
• Meats
• Mustards
• Nuts
• Oysters
• Peppers
• Poultry

1. Eat oysters, by far the best source of zinc.
2. Add red meat, fish and poultry to your diet.
3. Eat whole grains such as wheat, rye and oats.
4. Stock up on nuts and seeds such as pecans, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds.
5. Season food with ginger root, mustard, chili powder and black pepper.

Tips & Warnings

• Zinc is found mainly in the outer covering of grains. Processed flour has about 80 percent less zinc than its unprocessed counterpart.
• Vegetables are not very good sources of zinc, and cooking them in water or canning them results in a loss of the mineral.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.