Zinc deficiency is not uncommon and it can result in several problems. One such problem is an impaired capacity to fight off infections. Zinc, as important as it is, is found in relatively few foods. So make sure you have enough by including these zinc-rich fruits into your diet.
Eating zinc-rich fruits can help in keeping your immune system strong and ward off the development of infection. Zinc is a mineral that is important for growth and development. It's important to consume zinc in foods like greens, poultry, and fish.
Zinc also exists in animal sources like beef, pork, and eggs as well as plant sources like wheat germ. Zinc is also found in several other foods (such as high protein foods like yoghurt, salmon, turkey and tuna) in low doses.
What foods contain zinc?
Zinc is an essential trace mineral. It is known to benefit the immune system and the reproductive system, in addition to ensuring the proper functioning of our senses of smell and taste.
As such, it is found in several foods, with oysters having the highest concentration. It can be absorbed by our bodies from animal products like meat, eggs and dairy products but not from many plant-based foods.
If you do not eat meat or dairy products regularly, it would be advisable for you to include these zinc-rich fruits into your diet regularly as part of your effort toward maintaining good health.
Why Zinc Is Necessary For The Human Body?
Our bodies require this mineral to affect the following:
● Zinc is required for hundreds of biochemical reactions in our body. Zinc can stimulate the synthesis of RNA and DNA and function as a cofactor for enzyme activity.
● It plays a role in the functioning of almost all enzymes, large molecules that catalyse various chemical reactions in our body.
● It helps maintain healthy skin, hair and nails by working in conjunction with Vitamin C (an important antioxidant).
● It helps produce protein and fat, essential components of all foods we eat.
Zinc Rich Fruits
Blackberries:
Blackberries are among fruits rich in zinc and have beautiful crimson-coloured flesh. When this fruit is baked or steamed, its dark red colour turns violet. They are also high in vitamins B and C, as well as Vitamin E and dietary fibre.
This fruit is low in sugar but high in tannins and pectin (which both help to prevent constipation). Blackberries also contain calcium, which aids in the development of the bone structure.
Bananas:
This fruit contains relatively high levels of manganese, a trace mineral that aids the body's capacity for protein synthesis, promotes heart health and helps the body utilise carbohydrate fuel more efficiently. In addition, bananas are rich in fibre, B vitamins and vitamin C.
They also contain reasonably high amounts of magnesium that can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as potassium that can help maintain a healthy heart and nervous system. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits on Earth and are also the best natural anti-depressant we could find.
Kiwifruit:
Kiwifruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, zinc and dietary fibre. It also contains moderate amounts of vitamin E and K. Folic acid improves cell division and helps eliminate homocysteine (a by-product), which is associated with an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is a fruit that is sweet and low in calories. Although many people assume that its skin is not edible, as a matter of fact, it is. Pomegranate skin is not just edible but also quite nutritious with it being rich in antioxidants and zinc. The fruit also contains vitamins A, C and E as well as bioflavonoids that help to prevent and treat cancer.
Raspberries:
Raspberries are also excellent sources of vitamin C, as well as potassium, zinc and dietary fibre. This fruit contains flavonoids such as quercetin that protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. Raspberries are very good for the immune system and help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce cholesterol.
Kale:
Kale is an excellent source of vitamin A and has a high abundance of protein as well. It also contains plenty of bioavailable zinc which makes it a great addition to your diet. You will get 30 mg per serving and high iron content, along with other antioxidants and health-promoting properties, making it an essential part of your diet.
Green Peas:
These are fruits rich in Zinc and Vitamins A and C, and contain moderate amounts of vitamin E and dietary fibre. Green peas are said to be effective in preventing cancer and Parkinson’s disease. They also help to regulate blood pressure, prevent heart disease and repair damaged DNA.
Spinach:
High levels of vitamin A, zinc and iron. With high levels of iron, spinach helps to prevent anaemia (which would result in fatigue). Zinc is known to boost the immune system, and spinach is also rich in antioxidants that help to ward off disease.
Lima Beans:
Lima beans contain high levels of zinc, which helps to strengthen the immune system, promote normal cell development and growth, enhance nerve health and reduce cholesterol levels. They also contain high levels of vitamin C as well as B-complex vitamins that help to boost the immune system and metabolise food for energy. Lima beans are also rich in magnesium, which works with calcium to keep your heart beating regularly.
Strawberries:
Of all the fruits, strawberries contain the highest amount of this mineral. The recommended daily intake for adults is 15mg to 30mg per day, however, you can get up to 90mg of it from just one cup of strawberries!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different fruits rich in zinc. If you're looking to up your intake of this powerful mineral, incorporating more of these foods into your diet is one way to do it. So, the next time you shop for groceries, be sure to load up on some of the zinc-rich fruits that we've listed above and reap the benefits they provide.
Zinc-rich fruits help in the development of normal skin, hair and nails, as well as the healthy functioning of the body's chemical reactions to prevent you from hitting the snooze button and living a life full of stress and anxiety. The human body needs zinc to be in optimum health. Zinc has so many vital functions within the body.
The human body requires a lot of zinc regularly to perform these functions: To maintain healthy skin, hair and nails by working in conjunction with Vitamin C (an important antioxidant). To help produce protein and fat, essential components of all foods we eat.
FAQs
What are examples of fruits rich in zinc?
Banana, Kiwi, Black Currant, Pomegranate e.t.c
Does zinc change the taste of food?
Yes. It's hard to specifically pinpoint, but it sure does!
Why is zinc good for our skin?
Zinc helps to support the function of melanocytes (skin cells) by helping the production of melanin pigment, which produces the pigment that gives our skin its colour.