Copper
Copper Benefits
May Help Reduce Risk of Brain Disorders
According to research, one of the major functions of copper in our body is to carry out oxidation-reduction reactions which are directly related to the production and handling of free radicals.[r36] Free radicals damage the cells and are a hazard to our health. Hence, copper must be present in our bodies in the right amount in order to reduce/eliminate the negative effects of free radicals.
A shift in the balance of copper levels might result in neurodegenerative brain disorders. Therapeutic investigations have indicated promising results regarding the use of copper chelation therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.
May Help Reduce Risk of Cancer
Research published in the Dalton Transactions highlighted that copper is effective in treating ovarian cancer.[r35] Studies also suggest that co-treatment with copper significantly decreases toxicities from cisplatin suggesting that copper chelate therapy may be markedly more effective and less toxic than cisplatin therapy.[r329]
Strengthens The Nervous System
Copper plays an eminent part in maintaining and promoting the health of our nervous system. By the same token, it is ascertained that balanced levels of copper are required for proper nerve signaling. Prof. Chris Chang, in 2016, studied how copper helped nerve signaling by tracking its movement through the nerve cells by using a fluorescent probe. The research team found out that copper acts as the main switch or controller for the nerve signals.[r34] A high level of copper tends to reduce the efficacy of the neuron signals, which indicates the importance of maintaining the right balance of copper in our daily consumption.
Keeps Skin Healthy
Two of the major structural components that our body depends on are elastin and collagen. Copper is said to have an important role to play in the formation of collagen; which is why this link is being studied by researchers vigorously. Copper has an antioxidant property that is said to help get rid of the free radicals and make skin healthy.[r33] It is also said to be effective in delaying aging effects on the skin.[r37]
In the absence of copper, our bodies are unable to replace the damaged tissues and collagen. Such condition can lead to numerous problems, including dysfunctions in the joints.
Daily Intake For Copper
Healthy Foods High In Copper
- All food nutrient profiles are based on a weight of 100 grams.
- * RDI values are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day (Female, Age 19-30).
- All foods are vegetarian.
Sources
- r329. Co-treatment with copper compounds dramatically decreases toxicities observed with cisplatin cancer therapy and the anticancer efficacy of some copper chelates supports the conclusion that copper chelate therapy may be markedly more effective and less toxic than cisplatin therapy
- r124. Self Nutrition Data
- r37. Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin
- r36. Copper in diseases and treatments, and copper-based anticancer strategies
- r35. Nitroimidazole and glucosamine conjugated heteroscorpionate ligands and related copper (ii) complexes. Syntheses, biological activity and XAS studies
- r34. Copper: A new player in health and disease
- r33. Effects of antioxidant supplementation on the aging process
- r32. Health benefits and risks of copper