The importance of nutrition in recovering from illness and injury is well documented. Clinical studies have discovered several types of foods that contain nutrients that can help heal wounds including deep cuts. For proper healing, you need plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc and increased amounts of protein and calories 2.

Vitamin A

Foods that are good sources of vitamin A include:

• carrots
  
• yellow squash
  
• sweet potatoes
  
• spinach
  
• kale
  
• collards
  
• apricots
  
• mango
  
• cantaloupe

Generally, foods that are deep yellow, dark green or orange are good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps wounds heal, assists in preventing infections and is needed for the health of skin and tissues in the body.

Vitamin C

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Vitamin C helps wounds heal, assists in preventing infection and helps produce collagen, which is needed by your body's muscles, bones and tissues.

Zinc

Foods that are good sources of zinc include:

• red meat
  
• sesame seeds
  
• pumpkin seeds
  
• asparagus
  
• shrimp
  
• broccoli 2

Your body needs the mineral zinc so that your cells can properly read and carry out their genetic instructions 2. Zinc also supports the immune system 2.

Protein

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Foods that are good sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish and eggs. For wound healing, animal sources of protein are better than plant sources. Protein is the basic building block for all of your body's cells and tissues.

Calories

Healing any type of wound is an intensive process for the body, which means your body needs additional calories. Eat plenty of nutrient-dense, healthy foods, and avoid foods that are high in calories but provide little nutrition. Choose vegetable beef soup over broth for more nutrition. Choose milk and milkshakes over carbonated beverages. Choose ice cream with real fruit over Popsicles.