Guest Post by Samuel Ken
Zinc may be a trace mineral, but the important role that it plays in supporting prostate health has been well documented. The normal prostate in a human body is capable of accumulating the largest quantity of zinc in comparison with any soft tissues present within.
Medical research has found that zinc is of utmost importance when it comes to the proper functioning of prostates and also in the healthy activity of male hormones. This is also one of the major reasons why zinc is considered to be a “male mineral”.
The health of the prostate depends largely on the quantity of zinc present in the body. If the amount of zinc is sufficient, the function of the prostates is optimum. Zinc is also an essential component in seminal fluids and sperm. A deficiency in zinc can result in infertility and impotence. Furthermore, engaging yourself in excessive sexual activities can also result in the depletion of zinc stores.
(Also Read: New Breakthrough for Fertility Studies: Functioning Sperm Grown in Lab)
BPH and Prostatitis
Deficiency in the level of zinc, especially in the prostate, can be the result of high stress levels or a sign that the body is fighting an infection. When a person is suffering from prostatitis, the level of zinc in the prostate is reduced to almost one tenth of the required level. This can also happen with increasing age. Zinc levels decrease considerably when men start growing older. When a man attains the age of fifty, the testosterone levels start decreasing and this leads to an increase in the levels of dihydroxytestosterone. This is commonly termed as DHT and is present in the prostate.
Prostate Cancer
Statistics of past few years have proved that Prostate cancer is now the most leading form of cancer among men in United States. Naturally, this is relatively high in men of an older age group as they are more likely to suffer from an abnormal growth of prostate cells. Research conducted in this area has highlighted that prostate glands suffering from cancer have lower levels of zinc in them when compared to normal prostate glands. Also, in some cases, it has been observed that an increased intake of zinc in the regular diet can effectively lower the risks of prostate cancer in men.
A research that was conducted in the Oregon State University has found out that the consumption of zinc rich foods during the early stages of cancer development is more advantageous if taken as a form of treatment.
(Also Read: Controversy Over Prostate Cancer Screening Continues)
Diet
Although the recommended daily allowance of zinc is set to 15 mg each day, there are actually very few men who reach this dietary goal. Zinc is found in a number of eatables such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, wheat germ, wheat bran, onions, peas, nuts, gelatin, beans, lentils, only to name a few. If the amount of zinc is minimal in the soil in which it is grown, the food grown on it will have less zinc content. The process food that we eat from the market is refined, and is known to have minimal zinc content.
About the Author:
Samuel Ken enjoys writing informative articles about herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and health supplements. Visit his website to learn more about subjects like zinc deficiency, vitamin B6 injections, zinc supplements and other natural health remedies.
