Our customers love us!
We are proud of the products we offer and the high standard of customer service we deliver. Our customers love us so much they give us a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5!
Zinc may not the first mineral to come to mind when energy levels are flagging. It's far more likely to be recommended for wound healing or during a cold. Zinc does, however, have a few vital roles to play in the body that contribute to the production of energy. Today, I look at what zinc is, how our body uses it, who might be low in zinc and what foods are a good source of zinc.
Zinc is a micronutrient. It's one of the essential trace minerals in the body that we need to keep ourselves ticking over. Other examples of essential minerals are iron, calcium and magnesium.
An enzyme is a type of modified protein that acts as a chemical catalyst in the body. In other words, it can start a chemical reaction in the body. If a chemical reaction is like a light switch being turned on, an enzyme is like a finger that presses the switch.
We need zinc to 'turn on' the chemical processes that break down food into little molecules. The tiny food molecules can then pass into the blood and get carried around the body to all of our bits. All the carbohydrates, fat and protein that we eat, need zinc to be there if they are to get turned into energy.
Zinc is needed for appetite. Zinc deficiency can affect the senses; taste and smell. Imagine trying to make healthy food choices without your taste and smell. Fresh fruit and delicious homemade meals would taste like cardboard. All the enjoyment of smelling, tasting and eating food would be lost. I would be shovelling in the salt and sugar to try and get some satisfaction. That wouldn't help.
Sometimes a zinc deficiency may cause a reduced desire for food which could lead to weight loss. Without enough good food in the diet; energy levels will suffer.
Stomach acid needs zinc
Without zinc, it is tricky for the body to produce gastrin. This is the magic-mix goo of acid, digestive enzymes and mucus that are the stomach's secretions. When you pop food in your gob, it gets chewed, swallowed and makes its way to the stomach. This expands as you keep eating, triggering gastrin release. Then strong muscles churn everything - all the food and gastrin up together.
Mucus acts as a thick acid-proof protective layer. It stops the acid from doing any damage to our insides. Stomach acid is Hydrochloric acid, which is strong enough to eat through metal! This would explain why it is so good at breaking down nutrients in food, like proteins and minerals.
Stomach acid also activates enzymes like pepsin. Pepsin can digest tough amino acids that make up a protein like your steak dinner. If your gastrin and stomach acid isn't strong it will not be able to break down food well. Iron, Calcium, Vitamin B12 and even zinc may not be digested properly. Iron and Vitamin B12 deficiencies are known as anaemia. Anaemia is a common cause of low energy and fatigue. Stomach acid will also kill off troublesome bacteria ingested that may make us ill.
Zinc is very easy to include in a well-balanced diet, there are lots of options. Just bear in mind that the body does not store it so you have to eat enough every day.
Oysters, crab claws and other shellfish. Prawn cocktails, muscles in garlic breadcrumbs or a crabmeat salad. Oysters may not be the most accessible but a quick yummy prawn stir-fry will do the trick. Why not try our lovely Tiger Prawn and Watermelon Salad?
Beef, pork or fish. You know what to do with these, try to avoid the deep fryer.
Vegetarian sources
There are lots of meat-free alternatives that are rich in zinc. They do contain the pesky phytic acid that interferes with zinc and iron absorption. The solution is easy. Soaking, fermenting or sprouting will break down the phytic acid. The methods will also increase the food's nutritional value. This may give you some nice new serving ideas too, try sprouting or a new fermented food like kefir.
I love the idea of a vegetable garden but know in my heart of hearts that this is not going to happen. I am also finding it impossible to find good lettuce during these lockdown times. Supermarkets seem to just have those nasty little packet-mixes that smell funny. I have dusted off my BioSnacky sprouting jars. A cute little row of mung bean, alfalfa and little radish seed sprouts are now growing on the window sill.
Sprouts are helping to glamour up my sandwiches and salads. Maximum smug factor as well as good zinc sources of food for my energy levels! Kids love sprouting, it can double up as a little home school biology lessons. How bad is it if it gets them eating more veg too?
"Gives the pre-run boost needed for a great run"
We are proud of the products we offer and the high standard of customer service we deliver. Our customers love us so much they give us a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5!
Our Herbamare combines herbs and vegetables with a little sea salt to create a delicious, healthy seasoning for any dish!
Join Hetty and Martin in the A.Vogel gardens to improve your flexibility.
Carbohydrates have a bad reputation, but eating the right kinds can actually be great for weight management!
Alfred Vogel's guide to leading a healthy and happy life
Get new recipes in your inbox every week. Sign up now
No Comments
Add your comments
Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.
41849