Copper has many health benefits such as improved health of eyes, hair and connective tissues, proper enzymatic reactions, efficient utilization of iron and proper growth of the body. It can increase the energy production and it can help in the prevention of premature aging. Also copper has other health benefits such as reduced cholesterol, increased red blood cell formation, quick wound healing, reduced symptoms of arthritis, balanced thyroid glands and regulated heart rhythm. The health benefits of this element are very important for an overall health existence. This mineral enables a normal metabolic process in association with vitamins and amino acids. If you have copper deficiency in your body, then you can have some of the next symptoms: thyroid disorders, low skin pigmentation, birth defects, low resistance to infections, elevated cholesterol levels, uneven heartbeat, low white blood cell count, dilated veins, osteoporosis, brittle bones, low body temperature and anemia. Also there can be other symptoms such as dermatitis, bleeding under the skin, diarrhea, anorexia, hair loss, stunted growth, edema, sores, paleness and lethargy. The most important sources of copper are lentils, beets, blackstrap molasses, oats, nuts, garlic, barley, avocadoes, almonds, wheat bran, soy flour, whole grains, beans, seafood, meat and liver.
Health benefits of copper
Reduces cholesterol levels: There are some studies in which are shown that copper can help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and it can help to increase the levels of the good cholesterol. This property will lower your chances of cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
Boosts immunity: This mineral is vital part of the healing process and it can ensure better wound healing. It acts as an immunity booster and it also works as a cure for anemia which indirectly allows your body to defend itself from infections and to heal faster. Copper is a co – factor in many enzymatic processes which are resulting in endothelial growth or the healing process of tissue.
Promotes formation of RBC: This is very important mineral for the production of the red blood cells, bone matter and hemoglobin. This is possible due to the efficient uptake of iron from food sources.
Copper benefits & uses
Improves thyroid health: This mineral is playing an important role in ensuring the proper function of the thyroid gland. But if you are taking copper in excess amount, then it can lead to thyroid malfunction. This is a reason why you should take balanced amounts of copper in your diet. If you take it in excess amounts, then the hormonal activity will be imbalanced and you can develop symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Prevents growth of E. coli: There are some studies in which are shown that this mineral can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacterial strains such as E. coli. Copper can boost the immune system and it can prevent excess energy from being expended fighting off the infections.
Increases energy production: This is a very important mineral for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate which is an energy storehouse of our bodies. We know that the cuproenzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, is affecting intracellular energy production. It is acting as a catalyst in the reduction of molecular oxygen to water, during which the enzyme is producing an electrical gradient which is used by the mitochondria to synthesize the vital energy – storing molecule ATP. If we do not have enough copper in our bodies, then we will not have enough functional and accessible energy to get through the day and you will feel tired or lethargic.
Skin care: Copper is very important mineral which plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, body pigment melanin, myelin and hemoglobin. This mineral can protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and this is actively involved in the production of elastin which is an element of the connective tissue which is keeping the skin flexible. This will keep your skin from looking older. It will keep it flexible and less prone to wrinkles and sagging.