What exactly is zinc?
Zinc is a mineral that is helpful to the system in several ways. Zinc helps to build strong bones, and keeps the immune system strong. Zinc is found in many parts of the body, mostly in the skeletal muscles and bones, as well as in organs such as kidneys, pancreas, liver, prostate and testes.
Testosterone is produced in the testes, and low levels of zinc impact negatively on testosterone levels, which in turn affects libido and good sexual function.
How does zinc affect sexual function?
When trying to conceive, providing the body with proper nutrients is very important. Although a combination of most nutrients and minerals needed to keep the body well-nourished, there are some that have a bigger effect on fertility than others.
One of these is zinc, and studies have shown that zinc is an essential component of genetic material and plays a role in the health of the reproductive system of men and women.
Both men and women need good levels of zinc to regulate fertility and sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. If these hormones are out of balance, it will have a critical effect on the ability to conceive, and have successful sexual encounters.
Research has indicated that zinc is found in high concentration in sperm, and is therefore necessary for the formation of healthy sperm. Insufficient zinc in the system can lead to poor quality sperm which may have difficulty fertilising the female egg.
In addition to fertility issues, a zinc deficiency may lead to erectile dysfunction. Although there are many causes for this common sexual problem a lot of men have to deal with, recent research has shown that a zinc deficiency is one of the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Increasing your zinc levels
Getting your zinc levels up to speed, will be a big step forward in getting your fertility and libido where it needs to be. Good levels of zinc are also essential for many other body functions including wound healing, an optimal immune system, prevention of hair loss, and mental clarity, among many others.
Research has also shown that the prostate is dependant on a high level of zinc to function properly and stay clear of infections and other problems, which can lead to an enlarged prostate gland.
Zinc is not stored in the body, so it needs to be replenished on a regular basis.
There are certain foods that can boost zinc levels in the body, but studies have indicated that animal foods are better sources of zinc than plant foods.
Animal foods include lean cuts of cooked beef, cooked lamb, pork, skinless chicken, and eggs. Plants foods such as beans, nuts, wheat germ, mushrooms, spinach, and dark chocolate, also play a role in raising zinc levels.
Seafood enthusiasts will be happy to hear that oysters, believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac, are enormously rich in zinc. Perhaps it is the effect of the zinc content on testosterone that makes it so highly sought-after. If you feel that you do not get enough zinc from your diet, there are various forms of zinc supplements available. Visit a health food store to get advice if you are uncertain what to purchase, and if possible, opt for a form of zinc that is easily absorbed by the body.
We can help!
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