One must always keep in mind that copper is not just a kind of metal, when it comes to medicine and health, copper is actually a trace element mineral that serves a wide variety of purposes for the body, both on its own as well as a cofactor. Although the body requires a comparatively tiny amount of copper per day, even that little bit of copper is proven to be essential to having very good health.

Copper came to be recognized in the 1870’s as a basic part of our blood. This mineral is called an elemental because it is a metal. In terms of concentration, it is the third greatest metal present in our bodies. Copper is present throughout a person’s body and serves many purposes that influence physical and mental health and function. Aside from being able to affect a person’s health even on its own, copper actually works well even with other vitamins and minerals which in turn ensure that a person’s health is very well taken cared of.

Copper works with Vitamin C in the production of collagen and elastin, these are connective tissues that quite literally, hold the body together. In addition to this ability of wound healing, copper also plays a big role in the first step to wound healing, blood clotting. It also helps the body absorb and use iron more efficiently as well as partners with iron in the production of red blood cells, which serves the very important task of bringing in oxygen throughout the body. It also helps make bones stronger by working with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C.

Melanin, the substance that gives skin and hair their natural color actually needs copper for its production. Copper has a role in the production of hormones that come from the thyroid and is important to how fast a person’s metabolism is resulting to the regulation of one’s body weight. Staying fit does not only show off a person’s healthy well-being

Copper also has a role in how the nervous system functions as well. It is necessary in the creation of the myelin sheath, which protects nerves and ensures that they’re able to communicate well with each other. The connective tissues and nerves in the brain require copper for both structure and function. Copper also serves as a contributing factor in the production of the body’s important antioxidant enzymes, making a significant contribution to the control of the damaging free radicals.

Copper has a role in each and every part of the body’s major systems and processes. As a trace element the body requires just a tiny bit of copper daily. Adults should have just 1.5mg to 3mg per day. Always remember that too much copper can actually be toxic to the body’s system. The body’s systems only need a basic amount of copper per day and are regulated by chemical reactions. Chemicals in the body that are delicately balanced as a group.

Since it’s quite hard to ensure that we’re taking the right amount of these nutrients that can be found in our food each and every day, it is a practical and wise move to actually start taking in some nutrient supplements that can help regulate the amount of vitamins and minerals that can be found in our bodies. However, it is still very important to be conscious of one’s diet and to continue having regular exercise as these may be the healthier choice when you want to have a renewed, healthier lifestyle.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005.

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