Copper is a mineral and is found in many foods, especially carcass entrails, seafood, nuts and seeds, wheat bran cereals, cereal products, and cocoa products.
The body often stores copper in the bones and muscles, and the liver regulates the amount of copper in the blood. It is worth noting. Copper is used as a treatment, and is also used in many vital processes in the human body.
The importance of copper for the body
Copper is an important mineral for the body, as it helps iron form red blood cells , and has many other health benefits, such as:
Maintaining cardiovascular health: Low copper has been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. A group of researchers has suggested that people with heart failure can improve their condition when taking copper nutritional supplements.
Nerve cell signals are important: One study indicated that if a large amount of copper enters the cell, it reduces nerve signals, and when copper levels drop in this cell, it resumes its work.
Reducing the risk of osteoporosis: Low levels of copper have been associated with low bone density and a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Helping to produce collagen: Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, which are the basic structure of the body.
In fact, scientists have suggested that copper may have antioxidant properties, and accordingly, consuming it with other antioxidants can protect the skin from aging.
When consumed in healthy quantities, it is worth noting that the body is unable to replace damaged connective tissue if it does not contain a good amount of copper, or collagen necessary for bones, so its deficiency may lead to the emergence of many problems, such as: joint dysfunction or weakness.
Antioxidant: Copper can have antioxidant properties, as we mentioned previously, and this may help reduce the production of free radicals, which damage DNA and cells in the body, which may cause cancer and other diseases.
Problems that may cause Copper Deficiency
There are some cases that may increase the risk of copper deficiency, and we mention among these cases the following:
People who have had gastric bypass surgery . Children born prematurely. People who take zinc nutritional supplements, as they may make it difficult to absorb copper in the body.
People with certain medical conditions, including wheat allergy, cystic fibrosis, Crohn ‘s disease, and Menkes syndrome. People with these conditions may need Take copper supplements:
Copper Sources
Copper is found in many foods, including the following:
- Oysters of all kinds.
- Whole grains.
- Beans.
- Nuts.
- Potatoes.
- The entrails of the carcass, such as the liver and kidneys.
- Green leafy vegetables.
- Dried fruits such as peaches.
- Cocoa.
- Black pepper.
- Yeast.
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