HEALTH REPORT
Eat Yourself Beautiful
Optimal nutrition plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Two vital nutrients that make a significant contribution are zinc and collagen; taken together, they not only promote skin health but also support bodily structure and function. Zinc, the defender Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports a variety of important functions in the body, including immunity, vision, Forget fillers, face-lifts and fake creams: true beauty starts from within.
grains and spinach all contain phytates and oxalates, compounds which bind to zinc and reduce its availability. While this effect primarily only impacts mineral absorption for that particular meal, frequent consumption of high-phytate foods can cause mineral deficiencies over time. The solution is not to avoid these foods however, as they are highly nutritious; instead, methods like sprouting, soaking and fermentation can be employed to reduce phytic acid content and improve zinc absorption from these plant foods. Are you getting enough?
sexual and hormonal health, and growth. It is especially important for skin health – in fact, around five per cent of the body’s zinc stores are found in the skin. Zinc plays a very important role in reducing inflammatory skin conditions like acne, breakouts and eczema. It also speeds wound healing, making it critical for skin regeneration, and regulates sebum production, which prevents clogged pores, greasy skin and pimples. Zinc has powerful antioxidant properties that protect skin from oxidative stress, thus potentially slowing signs of premature ageing, like fine lines. In addition, zinc supports production of collagen, a crucial protein that maintains skin elasticity and strength. Insufficient
Beauty starts from within, and zinc and collagen are the key nutrients you need to support your skin, hair, nails as well as your overall health. Zinc protects and repairs the skin, controls acne and supports the body’s natural production of collagen, which maintains skin elasticity, hydration and structure.
Collagen, the builder This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's structure, strength and firmness, and giving it a smooth, plump appearance. It also plays a role in strengthening hair and nails, and in maintaining bone, joint and muscle health. Collagen production in the body typically starts to slow down in our late 20s and early 30s, resulting in loss of elasticity, sagging skin and wrinkles. Adding collagen to your dietary and supplementation plan will help counter this natural decline. Of particular benefit are collagen peptides, a hydrolysed form of collagen, which are easily absorbed by the body and have been shown to significantly improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Zinc is found in shellfish, red meat, poultry, legumes, seeds, nuts and whole grains, while
zinc intake will impair collagen production, resulting in fragile skin and wrinkles.
collagen is plentiful in animal-based proteins, like beef, chicken and fish; bone broth is rich in natural collagen. Collagen supplements, especially those which contain hydrolysed collagen peptides, are a convenient and well- absorbed way to ensure optimal intake. Margaret Leedham is a naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist, homeopath, massage therapist and mentor, with over 25 years’ experience in the natural health care industry including, research, retail, and private clinic. She is also the Go Vita Group Naturopath.
Certain factors
affect how well – or how badly - your body absorbs zinc. Beans,
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ISSUE 73 • 2025
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