HIMPower Magazine HimPower March 2018 | Page 21

it is an amino acid glycinate chelate form. Studies at the University of Nevada-Reno and at Yale have shown that it has 85% of the free-radical scavenging power of super- oxide dismutase, an enzyme we produce naturally (but is available from a bovine source as a supplement) to neutralize oxygen reactive species. In a study involving participants both with and without rheumatoid arthritis, the chelated copper helped boost levels of cellular superoxide dismutase, helping fend off potential cellular damage to muscles. ZINC: A HEALING MINERAL Generally, if a person deficient is in one mineral, they are deficient in many of them. Zinc is no exception. Zinc helps the body heal muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the event of small muscle tears that often happen when we’re active. Without adequate zinc, however, these tears can keep you from being active again. In models of wounds or tissue stress, zinc concentration at the injured site peaks after a few days, usually around the time you notice the strain the most. Zinc deficiency also means reduced blood glutathione levels. Glutathione is a natural antioxidant produced by the body that protects our cells from oxida- tive damage, which can be heavy during times of intense exercise, when the muscles require oxygen-rich red blood cells. Zinc deficiency has also been linked to depres- sion and anxiety disorders, so boosting zinc intake may be part of a more natural treat- ment option that doesn’t carry the risks and side-effects of conventional approaches. Zinc provides an excellent way to help support a healthy body and mind. It’s important to have a well-absorbed supplemental source, and a glycinate chelated form of zinc is the one I recom- mend for this combination. MINERAL DEFICIENCIES ARE COMMON Research shows that mineral deficien- cies tend to occur in groups. Even though the initial problem may be a lack of iron in a diet or supplement regimen, there are usually other missing minerals as well. A lot of times, when we think about people with poor diets, or inadequate supplementation, we say that they have vitamin deficiencies. That may be true. But it’s probably more accurate to say that they have mineral defi- ciencies instead. Don’t be one of them. Be sure you have a solid foundation of iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc as some of your core nutri- ents, and you’ll feel energized for the great days ahead!  Terry Lemerond has 45 years of experi- ence in the health food industry as an owner of several health food stores and dietary supplement manufacturing companies. He has researched and developed over 400 nutritional and botan- ical formulations and is considered an innovator in the industry. For more information, go to https://www.terrytalksnutrition.com/ www.himpowermagazine.com  21