Copper is an essential trace mineral that is needed by our bodies to function at its optimum level. The mineral has many curative powers affecting all systems in our body. Copper is naturally found in a variety of whole foods. Since the refining and processing of our food supply, however, the amounts of naturally-occurring copper have diminished. You can replenish this copper loss by wearing jewelry that absorbs the mineral into your body.
Improves Our Musculoskeletal System
Copper can increase our bone density. When used in combination with zinc and manganese (two other trace minerals), the copper in your jewelry is known for preventing osteoporosis and increasing your bone strength, according to integrative medicine author and practitioner, Elson Hass, MD.
Copper can decrease your inflammation. Wearing copper jewelry is commonly used for decreasing inflammation of joints according to Dr. Hass. This has been shown to especially benefit those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Copper may improve your joint health. The copper found in your jewelry contains an enzyme that can help your body build protective fibers. "Copper is involved in the formation of collagen which is the fibrous protein in bone, tendons, cartilage and other connective tissue" states Copper.org. According to Dr. Helmet Dollwet (a researcher, author and practicing physician), copper is a necessary ingredient that aids in the production and regeneration of the cartilage lining your bone surfaces throughout your body.
Cardiovascular Health
Not having the proper amount of copper in your body may result in your system developing cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. Copper deficiency has been shown to lead to elevated harmful cholesterol levels (which can be the beginning stages of cardiovascular disease) according to Copper.org. If you are lacking the proper amount of copper to operate efficiently, you may be at risk. Once absorbed into your system, the minimal amount of copper found in your jewelry may contain enough of the essential trace mineral to help your body operate as intended. This means that the copper from your bracelet may diminish your chances of developing heart disease. The copper could decrease your LDL (harmful) cholesterol level.
Blood Health
Copper plays a major role in iron absorption and transporting blood throughout our body as cited by Copper.org. Iron is known for building and replacing red blood cells which keeps our blood composition balanced. The small amount of copper that your skin absorbs from the copper jewelry may be all that is needed to help with your iron absorption capabilities.
Immune System
Wearing copper jewelry may help your body fight free radicals. Copper is an antioxidant that acts as a scavenger, which helps clean up high reactive free radicals (otherwise known as toxins) and changes them into less harmful compounds, according to Dr. Helmar Dollet, author of "The Copper Bracelet and Arthritis." By doing this, our bodies can fight developing a variety of degenerative diseases or conditions.
The degenerative diseases or conditions that copper can help reduce your risks of developing include heart disease, Alzheimer's, cataracts and diabetes states Dr. Dollet.
Copper is a known antifungal and antibacterial agent according to Copper.org. It has been used for thousands of years to help heal wounds by stopping the growth of harmful organisms. Wearing your copper jewelry may help you gain these beneficial healing properties.
The copper can inhibit microbe growth and spreading of infections due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties states Dr.Elson Hass. It protects us against harmful bacteria.
References
- The Copper Bracelet and Arthritis; Dr. Helmar Dollet; 1981
- Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine; Elson Hass, MD; 1997
