We know that getting enough vitamins in our diet is important, and the same goes for minerals.
And one mineral in particular that deserves a spotlight is zinc.
Did you know that after iron, zinc is the most abundant mineral in the body?
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Why do you need zinc in your diet?
So how do you know if you’re getting enough zinc in your diet (besides getting tested)?
Two tell-tale signs include whether you get sick frequently and how your fingernails look.
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“One quick way to determine if you have a deficiency: take a look at your fingernails.
If you have white spots, you might want to get your zinc levels tested.”
What are the best zinc foods?
Oysters, 66.81 milligrams of zinc
Oystersare hands-down the richest source of zinc.
Incorporating oysters even once a week is a great way of making sure your zinc needs are met.
(As if you needed another reason to go toRed Lobster.)
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Lobster, 3 milligrams of zinc
Looking for a reason to splurge on thatlobsterat dinner?
A three-ounce serving of lobster has three milligrams of zinc, nearly 40 percent of your daily value.
Plus, just one ounce ofpumpkin seedsgets you almost 40 percent of your daily value of zinc.
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Pork loin, 2 milligrams of zinc
Pork loinis a popular and tasty protein option for dinner.
And did you know that a four-ounce serving has two milligrams towards your daily needs for zinc?
That’s 25 percent of what you need in a day.
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The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.
But did you know thatcashewsare also a good source of zinc?
In fact, a one-ounce serving will get you nearly 20 percent of your recommended total daily zinc.
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Chickpeas, 1.53 milligrams of zinc
Chickpeasare arguably one of the most versatile foods.
From hummus (yes, that’s chickpeas!)
tochickpea pastaand so much more, they are the stars of many plant-based eaters and vegans or vegetarians alike.
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An eight-ounce serving contains 1.34 milligrams of zinc.
Not bad for your go-to snack or breakfast, right?
And if you do, good news.
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A 100-gram serving of green peas contains more than one milligram of zinc.
Swiss cheese, 0.957 milligrams of zinc
Who doesn’t lovecheese?
With almost one milligram of zinc per slice,cheddar cheesegets you closer to your total zinc daily value.
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Maybe just try a leg, wing, or thigh next time you’re looking to boost your zinc?
It’s also a good source of zinc.
Kidney beans taste great in soups, stews, or even the classic dish, red beans and rice.
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