Zinc has many important functions, from supporting the immune system and promoting wound healing to supporting healthy bones, skin and vision. It even acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative stress! However, there are some functions of zinc that may be of particular interest to men.
Why should men eat more zinc-containing foods?
1.Increase sperm motility
Scientists have found that the spermatogenic epithelium in the testes, which makes sperm, must have sufficient zinc as one of the raw materials, and that zinc deficiency reduces the secretion of sex hormones, which leads to sexual insufficiency, testicular shrinkage, and a decrease in the number of sperm leading to sexual infertility. Studies have confirmed that zinc is also directly involved in the glycolytic and oxidative processes of spermatozoa, maintaining the integrity and permeability of the cell membrane of spermatozoa and maintaining the viability of spermatozoa. Zinc deficiency decreases the viability of sperm, thus preventing them from completing the long journey from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes.
2.Promote wound healing
Zinc can accelerate the division and growth of epidermal cells, speed up the formation of new granulation tissue in wounds, enhance the ability of muscles to produce collagen fibers, make the arrangement of collagen fibers more uniform and orderly, and shorten the healing time of wounds. Increasing the concentration of zinc in serum can make the wound heal more tightly and less likely to crack, and also enhance immunity and prevent wound infection.
3.Enhance immune function
Zinc activates thymidine and enhances immune response and T-cell function. When the body is deficient in zinc, it causes metabolic disorders and a decrease in immune function, making it susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
How should men take zinc supplements?
1.Reasonable supplementation of minerals and trace elements
Minerals and trace elements in the human body have an equally important impact on male fertility. The most common are elements such as zinc and selenium, which are involved in the synthesis and transport of testosterone in men, as well as helping to improve sperm motility and reproductive physiological activities such as fertilization. Zinc in the body regulates the function of the immune system and improves sperm motility. Zinc deficiency in the human body can cause a decrease in the number of sperm, an increase in the number of deformed sperm, as well as a decrease in sexual and reproductive function, and even infertility; selenium deficiency can reduce the energy source needed for sperm activity and make sperm less active. Foods with high zinc content include: shellfish, animal offal, cereal germ, sesame, shrimp, etc.; foods with high selenium content include: kelp, cuttlefish, shrimp, nori, etc.
2.Vegetables and fruits are indispensable
Some foods that are high in vitamins are very helpful in improving the quality of sperm survival. For example, vitamin a and vitamin e both have the effect of delaying aging and slowing down the decline of sexual function, and also have good effects on sperm production and improving sperm activity.
Warm tip: If the problem of zinc deficiency is really too serious, you can also choose special zinc supplements for zinc supplementation. In short, it can be said that no matter middle-aged people or children, only a variety of nutrients are sufficient to better promote the health of the body.