Zinc it is a metallic chemical element which in the pure state has a bluish-white color. Its main use is the galvanizing of iron or steel due to an important property that is the production of a protective film when coming into contact with moisture, protecting the metal from corrosions. It is also used in the preparation of alloys, such as brass and bronze, and in roofing.
Zinc was discovered in Germany in 1746 by scientist Andreas Marggraf. In the Periodic Classification of Elements it has the symbol Zn and belongs to group 12, period 4. It has atomic number 30 and atomic mass 65,409.
In the human body, zinc is an essential element for the proper functioning of the body, mainly because of its role in the immune system and in the body's defense against viruses, bacteria and fungi.
The lack of zinc in the diet is associated with several problems such as: hair loss, skin lesions, brittle nails, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, apathy, tiredness and depression, growth retardation, longer time for healing of injuries, etc.
It has been proven that a person who does not consume adequate amounts of zinc is more likely to develop disease.
The human body does not produce zinc and therefore it is essential to consume foods that are sources of this mineral. Some of these foods are: red meat, seafood, poultry, beans, chickpeas, peas, walnuts, almonds, nuts, cereals, etc.