Zinc: The Importance of a Balanced Diet

October 22, 2021

By now I’m sure you’ve heard us recommend eating a well-balanced diet to help with treating acne. But what exactly is a well-balanced diet? Are there any specific vitamins or minerals you should key in on?

In this blog, we will speak specifically to the importance of adequate zinc intake.

Zinc is a trace mineral and our body requires a small amount on a daily basis for proper health and development. Zinc is an essential mineral and must be ingested through food or supplementation. The body does not produce zinc.

Foods that tend to be higher in zinc are:

• Oysters
• Lentils
• Beef
• Cashews
• Chickpeas
• Yogurt
• Chicken

Why is zinc so important to the skin and our overall health? 

Zinc plays a significant role in the metabolism of hormones, particularly androgen, estrogen and progesterone. It also plays a role in the metabolism of prostaglandins and in the secretion of insulin, as well as the regulation of thyroid hormone.

Because it is so integrally connected to hormone production in our bodies, it affects the amount and type of oil production our skin produces. It also protects against bacterial infection and inflammation.

Zinc supplementation has been shown to decrease oil production as well as the size of large pimples, therefore leading to smaller and fewer pimples and reduced marks left over from acne breakouts. 

It is recommended to take 8 to 11 mg of zinc daily, not to exceed 40 mg per day. Many daily vitamins have zinc added, so you may be getting enough, but it never hurts to check your daily intake of this important trace mineral.

With adequate zinc intake and Ninja Skincare products, you will have healthy and clear skin in no time!