Copper

Copper is one of the body’s trace minerals. This means that, although it is not required in large amounts, its is one of those minerals that are important for bodily function. It is important to make sure that the body has the right amount of copper at all times, as it helps the body to produce hemoglobin, a clotting agent. It also aids in forming vital red blood cells, in cooperation with Iron.

Copper is needed to rebuild bones, and keep them strong. Strong bones are better able to support the body and are a great deal less likely to break or fracture. Copper can keep osteoporosis from developing, as well as some other bodily essentials.

Not only is copper essential for strong bones and healthy blood, but it is also necessary for a healthy skin and complexion. It is one of the key elements of forming collagen and elastin, which are the two major components of the tissues in the skin. It gives the body the ability to heal itself and stretch, and create cells that allow the skin to return to its original shape, or as close as possible. When collagen and elastin start depleting from the body, wrinkles may appear, which is why they come with age.

In addition, copper helps to give human hair its color and shine. It helps the body to make some very important hormones as well, so it is vital to a healthy body.

For those who are at heightened risk of heat disease or high blood pressure, Copper can help to prevent the symptoms of heart disease, including arrhythmia, high cholesterol, and even strokes. It is involved in forming the body’s vital antioxidants, so Copper certainly is a must.

Copper is found in most green vegetables, including but not limited to potatoes, beans and lentils, peanuts, Brazil nuts, prunes, oysters, wheat and breads, cereals, barley and seeds of sunflowers or pumpkins. Crabmeat is also an excellent source of copper as well.

Copper is one of those minerals that the body is able to store excess amounts of for later, so it is not required in great quantities. The recommend daily amount for copper is a mere 1.2 milligrams.

Because the body usually has anywhere from 100-500 milligrams of copper stored in the body, it is fairly difficult for a copper deficiency to develop. In fact, the possibility for an average person to develop a copper deficiency is practically non existent. PVC piping revolutionized the way water was moved, but before those days water was transported in copper pipes, so copper was present in regular drinking water.

Usually a copper deficiency is a source of something bigger, such as an iron deficiency. Only extreme situations, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or another severe lack of nutrition could lead to a copper deficiency, and even then the chances of a copper deficiency developing are extremely rare and cases are few and far between.

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