Zinc and our Immune system

Info source:

http://blogs.webmd.com/food-and-nutrition/2013/08/zinc-natures-immune-booster.html?ecd=wnl_dep_082313&ctr=wnl-dep-082313_ld-stry_3&mb=GULHw1r0yczQttMGkoWNR%40HnVev1imbCX2R%2fDNcXcrE%3d

The importance of zinc for human health was first written about back in 1963 where it was found that zinc promotes wound healing and bolsters the immune system  - vital in warding off invading bacteria and viruses. 

So how much zinc does one need and where can you find zinc in the diet? The daily RDA for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women.  Most multivitamins contain zinc and you can also find zinc in lozenge or syrup form, which may reduce the duration and severity of the common cold, if taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. The upper limit for zinc is 40 mg and exceeding that amount may cause nausea/vomiting, low appetite, diarrhea, and headache.

Zinc can be found in a balanced diet; however, plant based diets make it difficult to achieve adequate levels as the best sources tend to be found in animal protein. 

Whole grains are terrific for your health, but the phytate content of whole grains can reduce the bioavailability of zinc, which may be more of a concern for vegetarians. 

Zinc can also be found more abundantly in fortified cereals, baked beans, ricotta cheese and wheat germ.