ZINC AND SELENIUM

Zinc
This mineral derives from the Persian word for stone, sing. Zinc has been used as material as early as the Greeks and Romans in 20 BC but was only identified as an element in 1746 by William Champion. Zinc is essential for all living creatures as it forms the active site of over 20 enzymes, the section of an enzyme that must bind with another molecule to initiate the chemical reaction. On average, we retain around 2.5g of Zinc although men require 9.5mg Zinc per day and women need 7mg. Researchers have found that we absorb around 15mg Zinc each day which can be found in meat, shellfish, chickpeas, lentils, beans, sunflower seeds, pecans and dairy products.

Zinc is known for several important bodily functions, hence its importance in our diets. Zinc contributes to macronutrient (carbohydrates, protein and fat) metabolism, including acid-base metabolism and the metabolism of fatty acids. The mineral also contributes to the cell division process, DNA and protein synthesis, and fertility and reproduction. In addition to its contribution to the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, nails and vision, Zinc is commonly known for its antioxidative properties to protect other cells in the body from oxidative stress.

Selenium
This mineral naturally occurs in the soil, hence why richest food sources of Zinc include the Brazil nut, mushrooms, garlic, brown rice and eggs. Selenium can be found in any plant grown, or animal grazed on selenite rich soil. There are two forms of the mineral; organic and inorganic. The majority of Selenium takes the organic form in animal and human tissues which is then incorporated with methionine (an amino acid). Our body mainly stores Selenium in the skeletal muscle where 28% - 46% of our Selenium store can be found.

Selenium is known for several properties, including its contribution to the maintenance of normal hair and nails, and role within the functioning of the immune system. Selenium also plays a part in spermatogenesis and normal thyroid function. Just like Zinc, Selenium is an antioxidant and works to prevent oxidative stress within cells.