What Does Copper do in the body?

What Does Copper do in the body?

Darrell Miller

07/25/11

Date: July 25, 2011 03:02 PM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: What Does Copper do in the body?

Copper and your Health

Minerals are very essential to the body because it is required for normal growth and development. It makes many biological processes possible which are vital for health maintenance and survival. It is a component of many enzymes and hormones. Minerals are categorized into two, macromineral and micromineral. The former is needed by the body in large amount while the latter is for required only in tiny amounts. One of these beneficial microminerals is copper. Copper is a mineral which is needed by the body in minute amounts. It is considered to be as the third most abundant micro – mineral inside the body. The normal range of copper inside the body is about 100 – 500 milligrams. Unfortunately, copper is one of the trace minerals which are commonly insufficient. Health conditions in which copper deficiency happens include severe anorexia, extreme hunger and some kidney problems.

One of the important roles of copper is that it serves as a component of certain enzymes which is associated in the formation of hemoglobin and collagen. Nevertheless, copper also functions together with iron necessary for hemoglobin structure present among red blood cells. Another important function of copper is that it is the primary component of the external layer of nerves and collagen. Copper is an effective conductor of electric impulses both inside and outside the body. It is not only involved in the structure of nerve fibers but also helps promote the production of neurotransmitters like epinephrine, norepineprhine and dopamine. Neurotransmitters play an important role in the body because these chemicals are the ones responsible for transmitting impulses from one neuron to another until it reaches the brain for process and response of a certain stimulus. According to research, without this important mineral, memory loss, depression and other neurologic disorders may occur.

In the immune system, copper facilitates maintenance of stronger immunity against many infections. Studies also show that this mineral also assists in the prevention of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, cell oxidation and maintaining cholesterol levels within normal levels. Research also reveals that copper has the ability to destroy microorganisms such as Escherichia coli. It can also speed the healing process of wounds.

Great sources of copper from food include pork and chicken liver, oysters, nuts and legumes, cocoa, grains and seeds. Fruits and vegetables also contain certain amounts of copper. Some of these are avocado, radish, potato, banana, soy beans and soy products.

Copper is available in supplements. It comes in varied forms such as Copper Aspartate, Copper Citrate and Copper Picolinate. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of copper is only about 2 mg. however, if zinc is taken together with copper doctors prescribe up to 5 milligram since zinc interferes with copper absorption. Copper is relatively safe if taken under the advise of a qualified healthcare provider. However, over dosage may be harmful. Take only as directed.

What is stopping you from taking copper daily?