Copper

Copper is Good For

Copper is a mineral found in trace amounts in all tissues in the body. Although only a small amount is needed, copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of hemoglobin (the main component of red blood cells), myelin (the substance that surrounds nerve fibres), collagen (a key component of bones and connective tissue), and melanin (a dark pigment that colours the hair and skin). Copper also works with vitamin C to help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin.

Sources of Copper

Foods that contain significant dietary amounts of copper include seafood, organ meats, nuts (such as cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios), legumes (such as soybeans, lentils, navy beans, and peanuts), fruits and vegetables (such as dried fruits, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, grapes, and avocado), blackstrap molasses and black pepper.

Copper Deficiencies

Signs of possible copper deficiency include anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count (the cells that help fight infection), irregular heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders.