The health benefits of copper include the proper growth of the body, efficient utilization of iron, proper enzymatic reactions, as well as improved health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes. It is also integral to preventing premature aging and increasing energy production. Apart from these, regulated heart rhythm, balanced thyroid glands, reduced symptoms of arthritis, quick wound healing, increased red blood cell formation, and reduced cholesterol are other health benefits of copper.
The health benefits of copper are crucial for an overall healthy existence, as this mineral enables a normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins. It cannot be produced by the body and therefore needs to be added from external food sources. It is the third most prevalent mineral in the body and is mostly carried by the blood plasma protein, ceruloplasmin. In order to enjoy the health benefits, it must be included in the daily diet, as it is used up in daily bodily processes. [1] [2]
Symptoms of Copper Deficiency
A deficiency of copper can have the following symptoms in human beings:
- Anemia
- Low body temperature
- Brittle bones
- Osteoporosis
- Dilated veins
- Low white blood cell count
- Uneven heartbeat
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Low resistance to infections
- Birth defects
- Low skin pigmentation
- Thyroid disorders
Other symptoms include lethargy, paleness, sores, edema, stunted growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea, bleeding under the skin, and dermatitis. In infant boys, inherited copper deficiency of the rare Menkes’ syndrome can happen, where natural absorption of copper becomes impossible. Early medical intervention is essential in such cases.
Important Sources of Copper
It is present in various food sources including liver, meat, seafood, beans, whole grains, soy flour, wheat bran, almonds, avocados, barley, garlic, nuts, oats, blackstrap molasses, beets, and lentils. It also enters the human body through drinking water in copper pipes and by using copper cookware. Oysters are the richest sources. Copper content is lost because of prolonged storage of food in tin cans and in foods that are high in acid content.
Health Benefits of Copper
Copper plays many important roles in maintaining a healthy body and some of its benefits include:
Arthritis
The health benefits of copper relate to its anti-inflammatory actions that assist in reducing the symptoms of arthritis. The consumer market is also flooded with copper bracelets as well as other accessories for curing this condition. It can also work as a home remedy for arthritis; store water in a copper container overnight to accumulate copper traces. These are beneficial in strengthening the muscular system, so drink the water when you wake in the morning. You will feel energized and active for the day because your metabolism will have a good source of this element for its daily processes. [3]
The deficiency of copper can be treated with a nutritious diet or with supplements. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Ensures Proper Growth
Copper is essential for normal growth and health. Thus, it is very important to include this mineral in balanced levels in your regular diet. It is also helpful for the protection of the skeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. If you suffer from its deficiency, the normal and healthy growth of organs and tissues, as well as their proper oxygenation from an ample red blood cell concentration, would be impossible. Copper deficiencies are seen in many third world countries and are reflected in a number of birth and growth defects in children of those nations. [4]
Regulates Melanin Production
Copper is a vital component of the natural dark pigment, melanin, which imparts coloration to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin can be produced by melanocytes only in the presence of the cuproenzyme called tyrosinase, which is derived from it. Intake of its supplements also helps in protecting against graying of the hair, so while it is often overlooked as an antioxidant mineral, it does protect the integrity of those cells and keeps you looking young! It also maintains the color of your eyes, and is essential, along with zinc, to keep your eyes beautifully colored into your old age. [5] [6]
Skin Care
Copper is an important nutrient that plays a significant role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myelin, body pigment melanin, and collagen. It helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and is also actively involved in the production of elastin, an element of connective tissue that keeps the skin flexible. This also keeps your skin from looking older, by keeping it flexible and less prone to sagging and wrinkles. [7]
Brain Stimulant
Copper is widely known as a brain stimulant, which is why foods rich in this element are often classified as “Brain Foods”. However, copper content in the diet has to be in sufficient proportions, because too much of it is also not healthy for the brain. It has a control function to play in the brain, so the amount of copper supplementation has to be balanced. It has been associated directly with higher thought processes, particularly in relation to the impact of its transporter protein, Atp7a. Studies have shown a direct link between its content within the brain and creative or out of the box thinking, showing that it enables neural pathways to develop in unique ways. [8]
Co-enzymatic Reactions
Copper is either an element or a cofactor in as many as 50 different enzymes that take part in various biological reactions within the body. These enzymes can function properly only in the presence of it. Without the enzymatic reactions in our various organ systems, our entire metabolism would slow down and the intricate network of reactions and metabolic pathways would cease to function in harmony. This is specifically important in certain brain pathways, particularly those involving dopamine and galactose. [9]
Absorption of Iron & Sugar
Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and in the release from its primary storage sites like the liver. It also helps in the utilization of sugar in the body. By helping in the absorption of iron from food and other supplemental sources, copper guarantees a healthy red blood cell count and proper oxygenation of different organ systems. Without a proper supply of iron, people suffer from anemia, also known as iron deficiency, which can be a very dangerous condition resulting in fatigue, muscle ache, digestive problems, and general weakness. [10]
Prevents Premature Aging
Copper is a strong antioxidant, which works in the presence of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase to safeguard the cell membranes from free radicals. Superoxide dismutase is one of the strongest antioxidants that work within the body in the fight against free radicals. Free radicals attack different organ systems but are specifically studied in terms of their effect on aging, including wrinkles, age spots, susceptibility to macular degeneration, and kidney malfunctions. Having enough copper in your daily diet can keep you looking younger for longer! [11]
Increases Energy Production
Copper is essential for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy storehouse of the human body. The cuproenzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, affects intracellular energy production. It acts as a catalyst in the reduction of molecular oxygen to water, during which the enzyme produces an electrical gradient used by the mitochondria to synthesize the vital energy-storing molecule, ATP. Therefore, when we have enough of this element in our bodies, we will have enough functional and accessible energy to get through the day without feeling lethargic or tired. [12]
Prevents Growth of E. Coli
Studies have shown that copper can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacterial strains such as E Coli. It also boosts the immune system and prevents excess energy from being expended fighting off the infections. [13]
Improves Thyroid Health
Copper plays an important role in ensuring the proper function of the thyroid gland. However, an excess amount is also a major cause of thyroid malfunction, so you need a very balanced level of copper in the blood or else hormonal activity will be imbalanced, and you can develop symptoms of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. [14]
Promotes Formation of RBC
Copper is essential in the production of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, and bone matter. This is because it is partially responsible for the efficient uptake of iron from food sources. [15]
Boosts Immunity
Copper is a vital part of the healing process and ensures better wound healing. It acts as an extremely good immunity booster, and also works as a cure for anemia, which indirectly allows your body to defend itself from infection and heal faster. It is a co-factor in various enzymatic processes that result in endothelial growth or the healing process of tissue. [16]
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Studies have shown that copper can reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and help to increase beneficial HDL (good) cholesterol. This lowers the chances of cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis. [17]
