Several studies have highlighted zinc's benefits for your interior health. The Cochrane Library's Database of Systemic Reviews points out the important role zinc plays in the health of children 6 months to 12 years old.

Worldwide, one in every 58 deaths in children under 5 is related to zinc deficiency.

Another study, from Tufts University, focuses on zinc deficiencies in people 65-plus; it found that 30 percent of folks in nursing homes had low serum zinc levels, weakening their immune system and increasing the risk of pneumonia.

A third study, from the University of Texas at Arlington, found that zinc helps prevent many cancers and slows down and stops the growth of esophageal cancer cells.

So how can you get more zinc? You can get your daily dose from foods such as spinach; legumes; flax, sesame and pumpkin seeds; garlic; peanuts; turkey; salmon; whole grains; and dark chocolate. Though we say dodge zinc from oysters, shrimp, lamb and beef, which are foods that can cause other issues.

And understand that excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and neurologic disease, so remember that the recommended daily allowances are 11 mg of zinc for men and 8 mg for women; kids need 2-5 mg; teens 8 mg.