Zinc is an essential trace mineral to protect your immune system and promote healthy growth. If you’re overweight, getting plenty of zinc in your diet may be necessary to lose weight. It’s also vital for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A daily recommended intake of eight milligrams for men and 11 milligrams for women is a good starting point.
How Does Zinc Picolinate Help You Shed Pounds?
Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays a role in many bodily functions, from wound healing to cell growth and hormone release. It also boosts immune function, supports heart health, and helps with skin and eye health. The most obvious way to get zinc into your body is to consume daily foods rich in this mineral. Some of the most convenient ways include adding a scoop of this nutrient to a glass of milk, taking a small handful of nuts in a smoothie, or sprinkling a teaspoon into oatmeal.
Zinc picolinate is a chelated form of this essential mineral bound to a picolinic acid compound. In one study, it was found to be absorbed by the body up to 50 percent more than its non-chelated counterpart. You can also take a supplement that contains this vital micronutrient in its most bioavailable form. One of zinc picolinate benefits is helping you shed pounds by increasing your metabolism and helping burn excess fat. In a study, people taking a supplement with this mineral lost 2.4 pounds over 12 to 16 weeks. The best way to get zinc is by eating a healthy, well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. However, if you need more time and can’t commit to the recommended amount of produce, a zinc supplement is an easy way to ensure your body gets its daily allotment of this vital nutrient.
What Are the Benefits of Zinc Picolinate?
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports several body functions, including immune system support and healthy cell division. It also plays a role in helping you maintain hormonal balance. A zinc deficiency can lead to various health issues, including infertility, gastrointestinal problems, and high cholesterol levels. You can get your daily recommended dose of zinc by eating a variety of foods rich in this mineral and taking a supplement. The best source of zinc is seafood. Other good sources include red meat, poultry, cheese, shellfish, legumes, and whole grains. Although most people consume sufficient zinc in their diets, some are at risk for zinc deficiency due to their lifestyle or other factors. For example, people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are at higher risk for low zinc intake, as are people with severe stomach-acid issues or a history of the leaky gut syndrome. Consider taking a zinc supplement that supports absorption to increase your zinc intake. You can choose from several forms, including zinc picolinate or zinc bis-glycinate. Zinc bis-glycinate is an amino acid chelate bonded to two molecules of the amino acid glycine, which helps your body absorb it more effectively.
Can I Take Zinc Picolinate on a Weight Loss Diet?
You can take zinc supplements while on a weight-loss diet, but you may need to be careful about how much you take. Taking too much can cause side effects such as digestive upset. Zinc is a crucial mineral for immune function, growth, testosterone metabolism, bone health, and connective tissue. It also helps your body heal wounds and fight off acne. The best zinc sources are meat, fish, and poultry. But if you’re a vegetarian, eat plenty of vegetables and legumes to get the mineral. One study found that adults who took zinc supplements had lower levels of oxidative stress markers than those who didn’t. That could help protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
What Are the Side Effects of Zinc Picolinate?
Zinc is an essential nutrient that helps keep you healthy and feeling your best. It occurs naturally in meat, fish and poultry, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. However, if you are deficient in this mineral, it may be worth adding a supplement to your diet. According to researchers, zinc is essential for the proper function of nearly 100 different enzymes. It also works with proteins in your body to help digest food and absorb nutrients.
In addition to lowering your risk of developing obesity-related inflammatory conditions, research suggests that taking zinc may improve weight loss. Since zinc helps metabolize protein, carbs, and fat, getting enough of this mineral is essential if you want to feel your best. If you don’t have enough, you may experience reduced energy, sluggishness, and a more challenging time losing weight. In a small study, overweight and obese women who took a daily zinc supplement for four weeks could reduce their weight and BMI. They also experienced a decrease in waist circumference and hip circumference. Several other benefits of zinc include its ability to improve skin health and fight depression. It also effectively treats diarrhea in malnourished children or with a zinc deficiency. It also appears to improve the symptoms of an inherited disorder called Wilson’s disease, which causes copper buildup in the body.
