Zinc

Your immune system relies heavily on zinc to fight off viruses, yet absorption declines significantly with advancing age. Furthermore, zinc deficiency dulls your senses of taste and smell, severely diminishing your appetite.

Oysters contain massive amounts of zinc, but you can also secure robust servings from beef, crab, chickpeas, and cashews. Marinating meats and soaking beans before cooking reduces phytic acid, a natural compound that prevents your body from properly utilizing this vital trace mineral.