Copper is a mineral that is stored in your liver. Your body requires it in small amounts for optimal health. Although copper is available in supplement form, the best way to get enough of it is through your diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An adequate balance with zinc and manganese is necessary for the proper absorption and metabolism of copper. You can increase your intake of this mineral by consuming foods such as avocados, lentils, almonds, mushrooms, salmon, garlic, soy products and spinach. Talk to your doctor before increasing your copper intake.
Myelin Production
Copper aids in the production of myelin, a fat that sheaths your nerve endings. This may help protect your nerves against damage caused by viruses, bacteria and environmental toxins.
Elastin Production
Your body requires copper to produce elastin, a component of healthy skin cells. Elastin helps keep your skin smooth and flexible and may help diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Antioxidant
Copper contains antioxidant properties, which may help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are naturally-occurring molecules in your body that attack healthy organ, tissue and bone cells when supplied with oxygen. Free radical damage may promote the formation and growth of cancerous tumors.
Wound Healing
Increasing your intake of copper may help prevent wound infection. It may also speed the healing of cuts, burns and surgical wounds.
Anemia Prevention
Iron works in conjunction with copper to form hemoglobin, a component of the blood that helps supply your bones, organs and muscle tissue with nutrients. Hemoglobin also helps fight physical fatigue. A deficiency of copper in your diet may result in low hemoglobin, also known as anemia.
Diabetes Prevention
Increasing your intake of copper may help prevent diabetes. Deficiencies of this trace mineral are linked to elevated blood glucose levels. Prolonged high blood sugar is a primary contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Copper
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
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