It wasn’t until 1961 that researchers discovered the importance of zinc to the diet. A young, Iranian farmer who ate only flatbread, potatoes and milk was experiencing anemia, dwarfism and hypogonadism. Luckily, at 21, he still had time to add zinc supplements and animal protein to his diet. And with these, he was able to overcome his health issues. Zinc deficiency in younger growing bodies can affect a host of systems, including the nervous, skeletal, immune and reproductive systems. It can also affect the function of the GI tract and the skin. Thyme is native to the Mediterranean region, and Romans were known to eat it to ward off food poisoning. Before the onset of refrigeration, people regularly cooked with thyme to help protect against spoilage. According to research, the active constituent thymol provides antioxidant and immune-modulatory benefits.