Copper is a necessary mineral for bone strength, heart health, immune function, and many other things. Your body requires it as a vital mineral in order to function effectively and maintain good health. But since the body is unable to produce copper on its own, you must consume it through your diet.
Additionally, copper is offered as a nutritional supplement. People who use large doses of zinc, iron, or vitamin C may require additional copper; however, before taking any supplements, consult your doctor. Copper in excess can be harmful.
Oysters, liver, whole grain breads and cereals, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans, nuts, and chocolate are examples of foods that contain copper.
12 compelling health benefits of copper
Anti-Aging properties
An antioxidant like copper can help your skin look better. It protects your cell membranes from free radicals and aids in the synthesis of collagen and elastin in your skin, joints, and other body tissues to delay the onset of ageing and increase skin elasticity. It is even believed that copper was used to keep the Egyptian goddesses Cleopatra and Nefertiti young.
Antibacterial properties
Microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria, including E. coli, are destroyed and prevented from growing by copper. It can be used topically to expedite tissue healing, promote wound healing, prevent infection and increase your immune system when consumed (from water held in a copper vessel).
Cognitive stimulant
A brain stimulant linked to higher mental processes is copper. Copper stimulates creativity and better brain function by opening neural pathways. In other words, it helps your brain function more quickly and effectively.
Good Movement
Iron may be absorbed by your body and released as needed to vital organs like the liver. By controlling blood iron levels, copper controls blood flow and enhances circulation. This helps your body keep your internal organs properly oxidised and maintain a healthy red blood cell count.
Loss of weight
Losing weight is another advantage of copper. You can reduce your weight by eating more copper. Your digestive system is improved by copper, which also aids in fat digestion and improved elimination.
Skin Care
Melanin, which gives colour and UV protection to your hair, skin, and eyes, has copper as one of its constituents. Additionally, it helps promote the growth of new cells, which replenishes the top layer of your skin and gives it a smooth, clear appearance.
Boost Digestion
Your metabolism and digestive system both benefit greatly from the trace metal copper. It can help with food digestion, eliminate dangerous germs that may be in your water, and lessen stomach inflammation.
Anti-Cancer
The American Cancer Society claims that copper has significant anti-cancer properties. Free radicals, which are the root of cancer, are fought off by the antioxidant capabilities of copper.
Prevent Bone Loss
When combined with other essential vitamins like zinc, calcium, and manganese, it can also reduce bone loss and osteoporosis in older women. Due to its ability to create collagen, copper promotes the development of strong bones and connective tissues.
Balance the Doshas
Positively charged and brimming with natural antioxidants is water that has been kept in a copper container. This aids in balancing the kapha, vata, and pitta doshas in your body.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis risk and severe copper insufficiency are both linked to decreased bone mineral density. The potential effects of a mild copper shortage on bone health and the potential benefits of copper supplementation in the treatment and management of osteoporosis both requires further study.
Collagen synthesis
Our bodies' principal structural proteins, elastin and collagen depend heavily on copper for maintenance. According to scientific speculation, antioxidant capabilities of copper from may exist, and when combined with other antioxidants, a healthy diet might help delay the signs of skin ageing.
The body cannot repair damaged connective tissue or the collagen that forms the bone's structure without enough copper.
Side Effects of copper
When used orally, copper is probably safe at doses no more than 10 mg per day. When used in larger doses, copper may be dangerous. Nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, low blood pressure, anaemia, and cardiac issues are all signs of copper overdose. Copper oxide-containing wound dressings may be safe when used topically.
You should only take dietary supplements under the guidance of a doctor due to the possibility of negative effects and drug interactions.
An excessive amount of copper can result in stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, weakness, diarrhoea, and a metallic aftertaste. Although it is uncommon, copper toxicity can result in cardiac issues, jaundice, comas, and even death. Copper supplements should not be taken if you have diarrhoea.
Copper concentrations higher than 6 mg/L in water might result in nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. If you use well water, you might want to get the water's mineral level checked.
Using copper cookware and drinking water that comes from new copper pipes are other ways to unknowingly consume copper. Cookware made of copper without a liner should be avoided. If copper is allowed to stay in copper pipes for an extended period, it may leach out into water, especially hot water.
To avoid issues, use cold water for cooking. Copper can be reduced by flushing the pipes with cold water for two to three minutes. You might wish to have your water tested by a licenced laboratory if you notice blue-green stains around your washbasin or tap or if you taste metal in your water.
Young children, those suffering from Wilson disease, which results in a buildup of copper in the brain, liver, kidneys, and eyes, as well as those with hereditary diseases including idiopathic copper toxicosis and childhood cirrhosis, should restrain from taking copper supplements.
Copper dosage
For adults and adolescents, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is roughly 900 micrograms (mcg) per day.
For people 19 years of age and older, the maximum daily allowance is 10,000 mcg, or 10 milligrammes (mg). A dose over this point might be harmful.
Copper interactions
Use of copper supplements should be avoided if you are taking any of the following medications without first seeing your doctor.
- Birth control pills and oestrogen replacement therapy after menopause: Copper levels in the blood can rise in post-menopausal women on birth control pills and oestrogen therapy.
- Aspirin, naproxen , and ibuprofen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) used to treat pain. NSAIDs bond to copper, which may increase their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Penicillamine: Penicillamine lowers copper levels and is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson disease. Your body's absorption of penicillamine may be reduced by copper.
- Allopurinol : Research conducted in test tubes indicates that copper levels may be decreased by the gout drug allopurinol.
- Cimetidine : Cimetidine may increase copper levels in the body, according to research. Cimetidine is a drug used to treat ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Copper Deficiency
The signs of copper deficiency might make it challenging for doctors to detect the ailment. For instance, the symptoms of copper insufficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency are similar. A person's immune system and level of vitality might be impacted by low copper levels. Some symptoms of copper deficiency are:
- Fatigue
- Always feeling cold
- skin inflammation
- Getting sick easily or frequently
- pale skin
- Easy bruising
- skin sores
- Poor growth
- Easy bone breakage
- Unexplained muscle soreness
- Copper supplements
Although there are copper supplements on the market, it is preferable to start by attempting to consume the necessary vitamins and minerals through food in order to lower the possibility of an imbalance. Few individuals require a copper supplement.
Additionally, the combination of nutrients found in food produces a result that is stronger than the sum of the effects of the individual nutrients taken alone.
Summary
Copper is very essential for the healthy functioning of your body. Most people can receive enough copper from a balanced diet. Make sure you consume just the right amount of copper. If you experience signs of either copper toxicity or deficiency, consult your doctor.
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