Zinc is a component of the molecular structure of nearly a hundred human enzymes involved in major metabolic processes, most of which work with the red blood cells to move carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Zinc functions as an important antioxidant; promotes normal growth and development; aids in wound healing; enhances cell division, repair, and growth; maintains normal levels of vitamin A in the blood; and helps synthesize DNA and RNA.
Natural sources include lean beef, egg yolks, fish, lamb, milk, oysters, pork, sesame and sunflower seeds, soybeans, turkey, wheat bran and germ, and whole-grain products. Diets heavily dependent on grains, which contain large amounts of phytates that block zinc absorption, may result in zinc deficiencies. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include retarded growth, rashes and multiple skin lesions, psoriasis, low sperm count, delayed wound healing, and diminished learning capacity. Prenatal zinc deficiency also interferes with the maturation of the brain.
Zinc deficiencies have been linked to prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) and prostate cancer. Dr. Andre Voison, in his 1988 book Grass Productivity, claims that when a 35% drop in normal zinc levels occurs, a mild enlargement of the prostate is observed. A 38% drop in zinc levels leads to chronic prostatitis. Cancer often develops when zinc levels are reduced by 66%. Voison's work is cited by Ornstein in The Human Ecology Program, published by the San Francisco Medical Research Foundation in 1987.
Prostate problems are virtually unknown in areas where pumpkin seeds are regularly eaten, such as eastern Europe. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, essential amino acids, magnesium, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in lecithin.
Benefits of Zinc
Promotes recovery from serious head injury.
May play an important role in cognition and neurotransmission.
Helps maintain normal glucose levels in the blood.
May help treat hypoglycemia and diabetes.
May help relieve inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.
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