10 Health Benefits of Copper
1mg of copper a day keeps the doctor away
According to the World Health Organisation’s nutritional guidelines, adults typically need 1 – 2 mg of copper in our daily diet.
Copper has been used for construction since prehistoric times, even before recorded history. Ancient civilizations even utilized the compounds in metals such as copper, zinc and manganese in their medicines and treatments. And as it turns out, copper has a wide range of health benefits!
Copper is an essential micronutrient that has numerous health, wellness and beauty benefits, from improved appearance of skin, to treatment of wounds and skin conditions, and also aids in maintaining metabolic processes, among countless other health benefits.
Your body does not produce copper naturally, so you must add it to your body from external sources. Copper is found in many foods that you eat, including beans, nuts and seeds, seafood such as oysters, leafy greens, whole grains, soy, beets, avocados and cocoa.
Your body stores copper in your bones and muscles. You can also introduce copper to your body by drinking water from copper vessels or wearing copper jewellery.
10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF COPPER:
- ANTI-AGING
Copper is an antioxidant that can improve the condition of your skin. It safeguards your cell membranes from free radicals and helps your skin and joints produce collagen and elastin to prevent premature aging and promote skin elasticity. Even the Egyptian gods Cleopatra and Nefertiti used copper to stay youthful.
- SKIN HEALTH
Copper is a component of melanin, which provides pigment and sun protection to your hair, skin and eyes. It also aids in the production of new cells, replenishing the top layer of your skin to produce a smooth and clear appearance.
- ANTIBACTERIAL
Copper destroys and inhibits the growth of microbes, fungi and bacteria, including E Coli. It can be used as medicine when ingested (from water stored in a copper vessel) or applied topically to boost your immune system, prevent infection, improve wound healing and speed the healing process of tissues. In fact, the U.S. EPA found copper to be the only solid material that can kill bacteria that pose a threat to human health.
- COGNITIVE STIMULANT
Copper is a brain stimulant that is associated with higher thought processes. Copper opens neural pathways and encourages creativity and improved brain functioning. In short, it makes your brain work faster and more efficiently – who doesn’t want that?!
5. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Naturally anti-inflammatory, copper can be used to provide relief from aches and pains caused by arthritis or inflamed joints. It also has bone and immune system strengthening properties.
- PREVENT BONE LOSS
It can also slow down bone loss and osteoporosis in older women when taken in conjunction with other key vitamins including zinc, calcium and manganese. Copper has bone-strengthening properties and its collagen-forming qualities encourage strong bones and connective tissues.
- REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Copper can reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and triglyceride levels, and increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind). Having more good than bad cholesterol can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
- GOOD CIRCULATION
Copper helps your body absorb iron (from food and other sources in your intestines) and release it as needed to essential organs like the liver. Copper regulates blood flow and improves your circulation by maintaining iron levels in your blood. This aids your body in maintaining a healthy red blood cell count and adequate oxidation in your internal organs.
- IMPROVE DIGESTION
Copper is an essential trace element that is great for your digestive system and metabolism. It can aid in the digestion of food, kill harmful bacteria that might be present in your water, and reduce inflammation in your stomach.
- WEIGHT LOSS
Adding copper to your diet can help you lose weight. Copper helps fine-tune your digestive system, break down fats, and helps you to eliminate more efficiently.
- ANTI-CANCER
According to the American Cancer Society, copper has considerable anti-cancer effects. Copper has antioxidant properties that fight off free radicals, which are a cause of cancer.
- BALANCE THE DOSHAS
Water that has been stored in a copper vessel is positively charged and full of natural antioxidants. This helps to balance the three doshas in your body: kapha (water), vata(Air) and pitta (Fire).
HOW TO GET MORE COPPER IN YOUR LIFE
There are a variety of ways to integrate copper into your life and diet, including taking supplements, wearing jewelry and copper-infused clothing, and using copper utensils and drinkware. If you would rather utilize the benefits of copper in its non-pill form, jewelry, copper-rich foods and beverage products are a great way to obtain those trace copper elements.