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Zinc: Benefits and Foods High in Zinc

Discover Zinc benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Zinc content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential mineral that is vital for numerous biological functions. It plays a key role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc is also necessary for the proper sense of taste and smell.

Benefits of Zinc

  • Immune Function: Supports the immune system and helps fight off infections.

  • Protein Synthesis: Necessary for the synthesis and repair of proteins.

  • Wound Healing: Aids in the healing of wounds and the maintenance of skin integrity.

  • DNA Synthesis: Essential for DNA replication and cell division.

  • Taste and Smell: Necessary for the proper function of taste and smell receptors.

Foods High in Zinc

Here are some foods rich in Zinc along with their approximate Zinc content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) they provide. The DRV for Zinc is approximately 11 milligrams (mg) for men and 8 mg for women.

Top Sources of Zinc for Carnivores

  1. Oysters

    • Zinc content: 32 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 291% for men, 400% for women

    • Oysters are the richest source of zinc.

  2. Beef

    • Zinc content: 8.4 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 76% for men, 105% for women

    • Beef is a high source of zinc.

  3. Lamb

    • Zinc content: 6.7 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 61% for men, 84% for women

    • Lamb is another excellent source of zinc.

  4. Pork

    • Zinc content: 2.9 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 26% for men, 36% for women

    • Pork offers a moderate amount of zinc.

  5. Chicken (Dark Meat)

    • Zinc content: 2.4 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 22% for men, 30% for women

    • Chicken dark meat provides a good amount of zinc.

Top Sources of Zinc for Vegans

  1. Hemp Seeds

    • Zinc content: 9.9 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 90% for men, 124% for women

    • Hemp seeds are an excellent source of zinc for vegans.

  2. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Zinc content: 7.8 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 71% for men, 98% for women

    • Pumpkin seeds are exceptionally high in zinc.

  3. Chickpeas

    • Zinc content: 1.5 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 14% for men, 19% for women

    • Chickpeas are a good plant-based source of zinc.

  4. Lentils

    • Zinc content: 1.3 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 12% for men, 16% for women

    • Lentils are rich in zinc and other essential nutrients.

  5. Quinoa

    • Zinc content: 1.1 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 10% for men, 14% for women

    • Quinoa is a nutritious grain that contains zinc.

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