Copper is a trace element that play a vital role in the human body. It contains the third highest trace element concentration in the body behind iron and zinc. According to World's Healthiest Foods, the element copper plays an essential role in the body's iron utilization, maintenance of bones and connective tissues, and proper thyroid gland function. Proper concentrations of copper to support these bodily function can be obtained by increasing daily dietary intake of foods that are rich in copper.
Liver
According to the Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute, cooked beef liver is an excellent dietary source of copper. Copper is stored primarily in the liver, therefore consumption of liver and liver products of animals is an excellent food source of copper. Cooked beef liver contains a copper concentration of 4,049 mcg per 1 oz. It should be noted that the average dietary intake of copper in the United States is approximately 1,000 to 1,100 mcg per day. According to the Food Standards Agency, consumption of liver and liver products should be limited to once per week or less due to the rich concentration of vitamin A in liver. The body stores excess vitamin A and build up of vitamin A in the body can lead to serious health consequences.
Oysters
Oysters are an excellent source of dietary copper. The concentration of copper in oysters is 670 mcg per 1 medium oyster. In addition, according to researchers at the Louisiana State University Ag Center, oysters also contain a substance called ceramide which has been proven to restrict blood vessel growth and development of cancer cells. Oysters are not only an excellent food source of copper, they also contain cancer treatment and prevention properties.
Cashews
Cashew nuts are a very good dietary source of copper. These nuts contain a copper concentration of 629 mcg per 1-oz. serving. In addition to the health benefits of the high concentration of copper, cashew nuts are also rich in an unsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid. According to World's Healthiest Foods, the presence of oleic acid in cashew nuts is beneficial for proper cardiovascular health.
Crimini Mushrooms
Crimini mushrooms are a very good dietary source of copper. These mushrooms contain a copper concentration of 344 mcg per 1-cup serving. In addition to being a rich source of copper, crimini mushrooms are also a very good dietary source of many other nutrients such as selenium, zinc, niacin, potassium and phosphorus. According to World's Healthiest Foods, consumption of crimini mushrooms gives the body an increased concentration of antioxidants which promotes optimal health and boosts the body's immune system.
