Copper is an essential mineral that is necessary for survival. Located in all body tissues, this mineral plays a major role in the body of making red blood cells throughout your body. Copper also contributes to maintaining nerve cells and the immune system. However, as important as copper is in the body, too much of it is not good. You should also avoid other heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic since they aren’t good for you.
Copper also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and it contributes to energy production in the body. Most copper in the body is found in vital organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, brain, and skeletal muscle.
It is important that you are watchful of the amount change of copper you have in your body. This is because both too much and too little copper can affect the brain function. Impairment has been linked to Menkes, Wilson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. Copper deficiency is rare, but it can result in cardiovascular disease [1] and other problems.
Continue reading this article to know more about the health benefits of copper, its sources, and any potential health risks.
Health Benefits of Copper
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body, which implies that it contributes greatly to the health and functions of the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells.
It helps maintain healthy bones, nerves, blood vessels, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Copper is needed in sufficient amounts, not too much and not too little, that way it helps prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. [2]