Zinc is an essential mineral that plays an important role in many processes throughout your body. It keeps your immune system healthy, aids in wound-healing, and helps keep your senses of smell and taste sharp. . . . The best sources of zinc are meat and dairy. . . . If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might have a greater risk of a zinc deficiency. But there are plenty of plant foods to help you meet your daily requirements. These five plant foods are good sources of zinc: Tofu, seeds, nuts, legumes, and oats.