Copper benefits a lot. Because copper is an essential trace mineral needed for survival. It is found in all tissues of the body and plays a role in producing red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells and immunity. It helps in the formation of collagen and absorption of iron in the body and plays a role in energy production. Most of the copper in the body is found in the muscles of the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeleton.
Copper Benefits For Health
Heart health
Low copper levels have been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A team of researchers has suggested that some patients with heart failure may benefit from copper supplements.
Animal studies have linked low copper levels to CVD, but it remains unpublished that any deficiency could have a similar effect on humans.
Immune function
Very little copper can cause neutropenia. It is a deficiency of white blood cells or neutrophils, which fight infection. People with low levels of neutrophils are more likely to develop infectious diseases.
Osteoporosis
Severe copper deficiency is associated with increased bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis. More research is needed on how marginal copper deficiency can affect bone health and how copper supplements can prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Collagen production
Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, the main structural elements of our body. Scientists have speculated that copper may have antioxidant properties and that healthy consumption in combination with other antioxidants may help prevent skin aging.
Without adequate copper, the body cannot replace collagen in the damaged connective tissue or bone marrow. This can lead to multiple problems, including joint dysfunction, as the body tissues begin to break down.
Arthritis
Animal studies have indicated that copper can help prevent or delay arthritis, and people wear copper bracelets for this purpose. However, no human study has confirmed this.
Antioxidant action
Copper may also have an antioxidant function. This can help reduce the production of free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer and other diseases.
Related: 11 Marvelous Copper Rich Foods For Your Health
FAQ
Is Copper good or bad for you?
Yes, copper can be harmful if you get too much. Getting too much copper on a regular basis can cause liver damage, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Copper toxicity is rare in healthy individuals. But it can occur in people with Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder.
How much copper should you take a day?
In adults aged 20 and older, average daily intakes of copper from food are 1,400 mcg for men and 1,100 mcg for women. Total intakes from supplements and foods are 900 to 1,100 mcg/day for children and 1,400 to 1,700 mcg/day for adults aged 20 and over.
Does the human body need copper?
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Is Copper good for skin?
Copper has two key properties that endow it as an excellent active ingredient to be used in products, which come in contact with the skin, aiming to improve the skin's well-being. Copper plays a key role in the synthesis and stabilization of skin proteins, and it also has potent biocidal properties.
Is Copper good for hair?
Copper itself has been reported as being able to help maintain the tissues found in blood vessels. Thus, copper peptides may possibly stimulate hair follicles so they receive adequate oxygen and nutrients to produce new hair growth.
Can we drink copper water daily?
The best time to drink water stored in a copper bottle is on an empty stomach in the morning. Do not overdo it, drinking water stored in a copper bottle twice a day (morning and evening) is more than enough to provide the necessary amount of copper to your body.
