Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps balance blood sugar, stabilize metabolic rate, supports the immune system and promotes a healthy sense of taste and smell.
Zinc Food Sources
Zinc can be added to green smoothies by including lots of leafy greens and ground nuts and seeds. To ensure that you get adequate amounts of this mineral in your diet, try to include some of the “Vegetarian Foods” options as well on a daily basis.
|
SMOOTHIE FOODS
– Sesame seeds |
VEGETARIAN FOODS
– Poppy, alfalfa, celery and mustard seeds |
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency can cause stunted growth, depression, frequent infections (colds), diarrhea, suppressed immune system, impotence, delayed sexual maturity, alopecia, eye and skin lesions, poor appetite, altered cognition and poor sense of taste and smell.
Zinc and copper compete for absorption so foods rich in zinc or copper should not be consumed together in the same meal.
Inadequate dietary protein as well as a deficiency in the amino acid, cysteine, can contribute to zinc deficiency. Athletes and other active people may have a higher need for zinc than the average person.
The amount of zinc in plant foods will vary depending on the concentration of zinc in the soil. If the soil is depleted, so will be the foods grown in that soil.
Zinc Toxicity
Excess consumption of zinc will suppress the absorption of copper and can lead to a deficiency in that mineral. An impaired immune system can also result from too much zinc.
The Effects of Cooking On Zinc
A significant amount of zinc in foods can be leached out when boiled.
Return to Nutrient Profiles.
Comments? Questions?
To simplify communication, please connect with us on Facebook or through our Contact Page. Also, your questions might be answered in the Green Smoothie FAQ.