Zinc

Zinc helps to lower insulin and is essential for the manufacture of stomach acid, for immune function, and for resolving digestive problems and chronic fatigue. In fact there are literally dozens of applications – it’s a very important mineral. Zinc is instrumental in improving fertility in men by increasing testosterone, and in women it has an influence on the release of eggs from the ovaries. Virtually all skin problems react well to extra zinc, and without it our sense of taste and smell would not exist. Especially high concentrations of zinc are found in red and white blood cells, the retina of the eye, the skin, liver, kidneys, bones, prostate gland and pancreas.

FOOD SOURCES INCLUDE:

• Oysters and fish

• Grass-fed beef and lamb

• Chickpeas

• Cashews

• Pumpkin seeds (a very good source)

• Chicken and turkey

• Eggs

• Mushrooms

• Cocoa powder (I know you’ll read ‘chocolate’ here…)

Overall, the food highest in protein contains the most zinc, and the most bio-available zinc is found in animal products.

If you find you are really deficient in a lot of these, you may have low stomach acid, leaky gut syndrome or an inflammatory condition, and may need the help of a nutritionally orientated health professional trained in this area. But here’s hoping your low-carb diet and the fabulous recipes in Lose It! have nourished you so well you barely answered ‘yes’ to any!