Health Benefits Of Copper

How Copper Benefits Your Health

Many think of copper as a metal used in home decor, but it is also a trace mineral vital to essential body functions. It is central to enzyme production, iron absorption, nervous system support, and oxygen transportation. Without it, the body would not function properly. 

Copper can be valuable to health, but it is essential to adhere to dosage recommendations. There is always the risk of a copper deficiency or copper toxicity. The right balance will ensure optimal health and long-lasting wellness.

According to the current consensus among health experts, people should drink an eight–ounce cup of water eight times per day, this is also known as the “8x8 rule.” With regular, daily water consumption, your body can reap a whole host of health benefits, such as increased energy, controlled appetite, and improved digestive flow. While clear water is good for your health, it is even better when enriched with copper ions, which pass into water supplies that flow through copper pipelines.

Water can also be enriched with copper when stored in containers made of the metal. One of the easiest ways to cultivate copper-enriched water is to fill a large, copper beverage container with purified water and set the container in your refrigerator overnight. As the hours pass, traces of the mineral will mix into the water. By the next morning, you will have a day's worth of copper-rich drinking water to consume during and between each meal.

Repeat these steps each day and you will enjoy a variety of mental and physical copper health benefits!

The Health Benefits of Copper

Regarding health, copper can positively impact your energy, strength and overall physical appearance.

Specific copper health benefits include the following:

• Proper growth
• Healthy skin
• Optimal energy
• Mental clarity
• Maximum strength
• Absorption of iron
• Boosted immunity
• Connective tissues
• Organ health
• Smooth digestive flow
• Red blood cell formation
• Anti-inflammation

Along with vitamins and amino acids, copper is crucial to the body's metabolic process. However, the body does not produce its natural copper source, and thus the mineral must be culled from outside sources — primarily water. When enriched with copper ions, water is one of the best and purest sources of the mineral. In as little as four hours, a container full of water can gain sufficient levels of copper trace elements.

The Health Benefits of Copper Cookware

Copper cookware health benefits are also sufficient, particularly when it comes to foods that are high in copper content, including the following produce, grains, nuts, legumes, and meats:

• Almonds
• Avocados
• Barley
• Beans
• Beets
• Garlic
• Lentils
• Liver
• Nuts
• Oysters
• Soy flour
• Whole oats

The health benefits of copper cookware are best achieved by preparing soups, pasta and stir-fry recipes in copper pots and pans. However, not all copper-rich food contents make for reliable sources of the mineral. Canned goods, for example, don't necessarily supply the body with the exact percentages that are stated on the labels. This is because the acids contained in canned goods can end up inhibiting copper content over long periods of shelf time.

Copper Health Benefits in Detail

Brain Activity

One of the greatest health benefits of copper is the stimulating effect it has on brain cells. As such, copper is often referred to as a “brain food.” The effect is because the mineral helps the body synthesize phospholipids, which are vital to the development of myelin sheaths.

If copper is consumed in proportion with other essential minerals, the brain gains the following benefits throughout the day:

• Clarity: At the heart of all mental activity is your ability to think clearly, which enables you to move from one task to another without stalling. Just as important, clarity makes it possible for you to remember all the things that need to be done throughout the day. With copper in your diet, your thinking becomes clearer, which allows you to be ultimately more resourceful.
• Productivity: The more clear-headed you are throughout the day, the more productive you will be in your daily activities, whether you are a student or a hard-working professional. If your day-to-day work involves lots of reading, writing, brainstorming and memorizing, a healthy balance of copper in your diet can help you perform to the best of your abilities.
• Creativity: When it comes to developing new ideas, it takes an energetic mind. When you drink water throughout the day from a copper cup, its minerals pass into your system and help fuel your creative imagination.

The most wonderful thing about creativity is that it is not just limited to the visual arts. Professions as diverse as writing and marketing rely on creative minds. Even when you are looking for ways to decorate your living room, your creative energy is bound to be at its most vital when you have had your daily balance of minerals, including copper.

Copper has even been linked to higher intelligence and original thinking in certain individuals. Science has attributed this link to the mineral's transporter protein, Atp7a.

Anti-Inflammation

Few words conjure up the ill-effects of age like arthritis, in which the cartilage and lining break down around certain joints. Inflammation is the primary symptom of arthritis. Even though arthritis has no dietary cure, its symptoms can be reduced with a balanced diet of all the proper minerals, including copper.

As an anti-inflammation mineral, copper combats the symptoms of arthritis from the inside and outside of the body. Physical contact with copper can ease inflammation, such as when the metal is worn around the wrists in the form of bracelets.

Physically, the overall benefits of copper as an anti-inflammation mineral are displayed in the following qualities:

• Active: Often adults who slow with age do so because of inflammation in the bones and joints. Those who remain consistently active throughout life share a common secret: a balanced intake of minerals, including copper, which aids in the body's energy supply. A daily supply of copper-mineralized drinking water can help you lead a more active life.
• Athletic: Energy and physical activity go hand in hand. Simply put, the more energetic you feel, the more active you become, and vice versa. Energized, active people tend to be athletic, and therefore in relatively good physical shape. As your body ages, strength training and cardiovascular exercise can help you stay energetic, vital and attractive. Copper helps supply you with the energy needed to engage in healthy, athletic activity while preventing bodily inhibitors such as inflammation.
• Intimate: It is said that as couples age, things cool down, physically speaking, behind closed doors. However, this is often due to negative physical and physiological health factors, the likes of which can be countered and prevented with a more balanced intake of vitamins and minerals, including copper. With several daily doses of water from a copper container and several weekly baths in a copper tub, you and your partner could maintain that youthful sexual energy well into your golden years.

For those who maintain a physically active lifestyle throughout their younger and middle adult years, the debilitating effects of inflammation can be hard to fathom. Truth be told, it can slow even the most energetic of individuals. However, with a healthy balance of copper in your system, your odds of beating and avoiding the symptoms are significantly improved as you head into the second half of life.

Growth and Development

The benefits of copper regarding physical health are not limited to older adults. For children and teenagers, copper plays an integral role in the development of bone tissue, and also helps protect the heart and nerves. Consequently, growth abnormalities have been linked to a copper deficiency in certain parts of the Third World.

Bodily Absorption of Iron and Sugar

Copper helps send iron and sugar to the right places in the body. The latter is better utilized in the system when copper works its magic. Iron, meanwhile, is released from the liver and more fully absorbed by the intestine with the aid of copper.

As a result, the following effects of iron are better harnessed within the body thanks to copper:

• Sufficient red blood cells: Red blood cells are primarily comprised of iron, which is freed up in the body through the health benefits of copper. As such, copper is responsible for maintaining a healthy count of red blood cells in the system. Therefore, copper is essential for maintaining strength, stamina, and mental clarity, while preventing the onset of anemia.

• Boosted stamina: With improved cell count and healthy blood flow comes improved overall endurance, which gives you the ability to face each day with maximum strength and energy. With copper sending iron to all the right places in your system, the mental and physical demands of a busy day are far less exhausting. In fact, you are likelier to come away from each big undertaking with a sense of satisfaction over your accomplishments.

• Improved strength: Energy is enhanced by bodily strength, which is much more prevalent in people who get their proper balance of minerals like copper and iron. When your body feels stronger, you can take on big tasks without getting tired, whether you need to lift heavy loads or walk great distances during a given day. Furthermore, improved strength is a gift that keeps on giving, because it gives you the stamina to achieve cardiovascular and fitness goals through jogging, bike riding, competitive sports, and weight lifting.

The health benefits of copper on the organ system are mainly due to the mineral's role in up to 50 different bodily enzymes, which affect various aspects of human metabolism and cognitive function.

Extended Vitality

As a powerful antioxidant, copper protects cell membranes by fighting off free radicals, the likes of which attack the organ system when left unchallenged. As such, copper plays a vital role in body health and the maintenance of skin quality in aging humans. By extension, copper slows the process of aging and wards off organ failure while lowering the possibility of malignant growths.

The following benefits are best realized with a healthy balance of copper in the diet:

• Tight skin: The quality of your skin is one of the primary visual indicators of your physical health. Similar to how excess sun exposure and food intake can have ill effects on skin quality, so too can a lack of proper nutrients. When skin care and dietary health are balanced with a steady stream of copper in your system, you can lower the odds of developing forehead lines or crow's feet well into old age.

• Healthy organs: Physiological health is largely determined by what goes in and out of the body over the course of a person's lifetime. Organ health, for one, is primarily affected by a balanced mineral intake or lack thereof. When the body is given a balanced set of vitamins and minerals such as copper each day, organs respond much more favorably. As such, cancerous growths and kidney malfunctions are less likely to occur.

Sufficient supplies of copper in the human diet can lower the risk of heart disease because the mineral helps to keep heart rates and blood pressure at ideal levels. Furthermore, copper works to maintain healthy supplies of good (HDL) cholesterol in the system while minimizing levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Boosted Energy

Energy is one of the most important qualities in life for any human being. If you do not have energy, you can hardly be productive throughout the day. Consequently, you will have a hard time making money, earning good grades or enjoying experiences as they occur. If a loss of energy has impacted your life, it could be due to a deficiency of copper, which is vital in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, the place where energy is stored in the cells.

Conditions such as these can be remedied with sufficient levels of copper intake, which allow people to reap the following benefits in life:

• Accomplish more: When you feel more energy, you can achieve a greater number of tasks and partake in many more enjoyable activities throughout each day. With copper traces in your hourly water intake, workloads seem less daunting, and chores are more quickly and easily finished because your body is enriched with the energy it needs to handle the responsibilities of a typical day.

• Sleepless: Throughout the course of a given day, your body should be adequately rested from the preceding night's six, seven or eight hours of sleep. If this is not the case, you might not be getting enough copper into your system. As an energizing mineral, copper is vital for staying awake and fully charged from the time you awaken until the hour when you typically retire. If you constantly feel the midday slump, boost your copper consumption by refrigerating your drinking water in containers made of the metal.
• Be present: It is one thing to be physically present at work, school, and social events, but it hardly even matters if you are not mentally present. If you are always fatigued or feeling light-headed, it will hinder your ability to perform on the job, learn in class and enjoy your free-time activities. With copper in your daily intake, your mind will be present during the waking hours of each day, thereby allowing you to make the most of the things as they happen.

Copper works its magic in the body when fused with superoxide dismutase, the most powerful anti-free radical antioxidant. For a normal balance of this powerful mineral, refrigerate drinking water in copper drinking containers and prepare soups and pasta in copper pots.

Bacteria Resistance

As with all heavy metals, copper has what is known as the oligodynamic effect. When copper ions pass into water, the effect acts as a bacteria killer. Copper has been found to be especially powerful at killing off two of the most contagious forms of bacteria in the human environment: E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

In doing so, copper boosts your immune system and makes the following activities more sanitary:

• Eating at restaurants: A dining establishment can follow all of the sanitation codes, yet there are still some people who get sick from certain entrees from time to time. Then there are cases where an eatery will have an outbreak, but not everyone who frequents on the date in question gets ill. With a healthy amount of copper trace elements in your system to fight off bacteria, you stand a better chance of being counted among the lucky ones if you ever step into a restaurant at the wrong time.

• Eating over-the-counter goods: The products you see throughout the aisles at grocery stores are of mixed origins. Some of the products come from clean packaging plants, while others come from factories that are not-so-appetizing. E. coli, for instance, has been found in everything from flour to meat. While it is always best to check the quality of produce and the expiration dates on perishable goods, the immunity-boosting properties of copper can make your system healthy enough to fight off certain forms of bacteria.

With sufficient levels of copper in your system, daily activities become less dangerous, because your body is less susceptible to bacteria strains that linger in the midst. Therefore, whenever you enter a dirty area — be it a junkyard, alley, or recycling place — for the purpose of chores or as part of your job, you are less likely to get ill from exposure to bacteria in the air or refuse.

Thyroid Health

Copper is essential for the maintenance of thyroid health, but your consumption of the mineral must be kept in balance among your overall intake of vitamins and nutrients. Not enough copper, and you could end up with thyroid issues down the line. Too much copper and the gland could malfunction at some point.

Therefore, it is best to get your copper supply from natural sources, such as traces of the mineral in copper-stored drinking water. People who try to compensate for copper deficiencies by taking supplements do not usually reap the same health benefits as those who maintain proper nutritional levels through natural sources and a balanced diet.

Understanding Copper’s Role in the Body

Enzyme Production

Copper serves as a cofactor for enzymes, meaning it supports their vital functions. It binds to specific sites on enzyme proteins providing a catalyzing effect. It allows them to carry out processes necessary for metabolism digestion, energy production, and cell production.

The element binds to copper-dependent enzymes, also called cuproenzymes, including the following:

• Cytochrome c oxidase: An enzyme crucial to energy production.
• Superoxide Dismuatase: Helps neutralize free radicals.
• Lysyl Oxidase: Aids with connective tissue formation
• Multicopper oxidases: Involved in iron metabolism

Iron Absorption

Iron plays a vital role in the body. It is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen through the body. It also provides immune system support.

Copper helps with iron absorption to prevent deficiencies. It helps the liver produce ceroplasmin which releases iron from storage sites. It also influences the binding activity of genes related to iron absorption.

Nervous System Support

Copper supports enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. It ensures proper signal transmission through the nervous system and contributes to nerve cell health. It also interacts with synaptic proteins and receptors promoting communication between neurons.

The element supports myelin formation. This substance insulates nerve fibers to support signal transmission. It also protects nerve cells from free radicals.

Oxygen Transportation

Copper is found in hemocyanin, a protein in blood. It helps the protein bind to oxygen molecules and carry them through the body. The bind causes hemocyanin to change from colorless to blue indicating blood is oxygenated.

How Copper Interacts with Other Nutrients

Iron

Copper is mainly beneficial, but it can interact with other nutrients in your body to produce favorable or detrimental effects. Achieving the right balance is essential.

The mineral aids with iron absorption, but iron can interfere with copper uptake as the two compete for similar transportation mechanisms. Both supplements also have electrochemical properties that can cause corrosion, as found in plumbing systems. Follow proper dosage recommendations for each supplement and take them separately to avoid interactions.

Zinc

Zinc and copper compete for absorption in the intestines and bloodstream. Zinc also increases the production of metallothionein, a protein that binds to zinc and copper and interferes with copper availability. One advantage of zinc’s ability to lower copper availability is its potential to treat Wilson’s Disease, a genetic disorder linked to copper accumulation in the liver.

You can avoid copper-zinc interactions by taking them at least a few hours apart. For best results, take zinc supplements earlier in the day.

Daily Recommended Intake of Copper

It is essential to follow proper dosage recommendations when supplementing with copper. If you fall short, you may experience a copper deficiency. Exceed dosage recommendations, and copper toxicity may occur.

The National Institute of Health recommends the following dosage amounts for various age groups and conditions.

Life Stage	Dosage Recommendation
Birth to 6 months	200 mcg
7-12 months	220 mcg
1-3 years	340 mcg
4-8 years	440 mcg
9-13 years	700 mcg
19 and over	900 mcg
Pregnant teens and women	1000 mcg
Breastfeeding teens and women	1300 mcg

 

Adjusting Copper Intake for Specific Health Conditions

The NIH sets standards for copper dosage. However, people with certain conditions may need to adjust their dosage to avoid adverse effects. Here are some examples. 

Wilson’s Disease

Wilson’s Disease is characterized by improper elimination of copper. Copper is stored in the body and can accumulate to a health-threatening level. 

Providers will advise people with this condition to avoid foods high in copper such as chocolate, mushrooms, and dry fruit. They may need to avoid drinking water sourced from copper pipes that may contain the mineral. They may even need to avoid copper cooking utensils. 

Menkes Disease

People with Menkes Disease have a mutative gene disorder that leads to a copper deficiency. Doctors typically address the condition with an intravenous solution of 350-500 ug/d of copper chloride and L-histidine. This treatment can get copper levels into the normal range within six weeks. 

Top Dietary Sources of Copper

Copper-Rich Foods to Include in Your Diet

Several foods are high in copper. Here are some to consider adding to your diet. 

• Liver: Liver is extremely rich in copper. One 67-gram slice of calf liver contains 10.3 mg of copper fulfilling 1144% of the Referenced Daily Intake (RDI). It also contains other beneficial nutrients like riboflavin, choline, iron, folate, riboflavin, and vitamins A and B12. 
• Oysters: Oysters offer high copper content. Every 3.5 ounces you consume provides 844% of the RDI. They are also a good source of zinc, selenium, and B12. Be aware that oysters' zinc levels can interfere with copper absorption limiting the supplemental intake. 
• Spirulina: This blue-green algae was often consumed by ancient Aztecs and has recently resurfaced as a popular health food. A single tablespoon contains 44% of the RDI. It can also help you fulfill daily goals for riboflavin, B1, and iron. 
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Four dried shiitake mushrooms provide 89% of the RDI for copper. They are also low-calorie and high in zinc, folate, manganese, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin D. 
• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds contain different amounts of copper, but for reference, 9 grams of sesame seeds provide 44% of the RDI. 1 ounce of almonds offers 67% while the same amount of cashews will help you meet 33% of your daily goal. They are also rich in various other nutrients. 
• Lobster: This luxury seafood dish is an excellent source of copper. One 3-ounce serving contains 178% of the RDI. It is also high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and low fat. 

The Importance of Bioavailability of Copper from Food

If you don’t get enough copper in your diet, you can source it from supplements. However, food offers better bioavailability. 

Unlike supplements, food goes through our digestive systems. Therefore, it is better absorbed in our systems. When you take a supplement, only a small amount is absorbed by your system. 

Absorption rates vary depending on age and other nutrients and supplements in your diet. For example, iron and zinc can interfere with absorption while certain proteins and carbohydrates, organic acids, and vitamin D increase absorption rates. However, average absorption is typically around 30% - 40%. 

Food is also a recommended source of copper and other nutrients because it may contain other vitamins and minerals that improve health. Although it is also more likely to contain ingredients that hinder absorption, it is generally recommended by health experts. 

The Health Benefits of Copper

Boosting Immune System Function

Copper is a beneficial nutrient, but if you take too much, toxicity may occur. It may contribute to cell death. Interestingly, this is the same characteristic that helps it boost immunity. 

Several bodies of research support copper's ability to improve immune function. For example, research has identified elevated concentrations of copper near infection sites showing it may attack bad bacteria. 

Studies have also established a link between copper deficiencies and decreased immune response. Similarly, they have also shown an improved immune response in people with more copper in their diets. 

Proper supplementation may reduce the strength of strains of bacteria that impair copper detoxification. Additionally, proteins often bind to copper and other pathogens to protect key nutrients from invaders. Some findings show phagocytes that absorb bacteria use copper to aid in breaking down bacterial cell walls. 

Enhancing Cardiovascular Health

Copper is vital in protecting one of the body’s most important organs, the heart. It is an antioxidant nutrient for cardiovascular health. 

A study published in Academic.Oup reveals that a copper deficiency is the only one of its kind related to elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, uric acid, and oxidative damage. It has also been linked to heart enlargement. The article goes on to suggest copper supplements as an affordable alternative to placebos. 

Copper has also been shown to provide the following heart health benefits.

• Benefits Hypertrophy: Hypertrophy is a thickening of the heart muscles which makes it difficult for the organ to pump blood. Copper increases contractile function and structural integrity in hypertrophic hearts.
• Provides Antioxidant Benefits: Superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and cytochromatic c oxidase (CcO) are copper-containing enzymes involved in antioxidant activity. SOD1 protects the heart from oxidative damage. CcO plays a key role in the electron transport chain which supports oxidative phosphorylation which is key to respiration. 
• Supports Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism: SOD1 and CcO also support mitochondrial energy metabolism providing the heart with the energy it needs to function. 

Supporting Brain Health and Function

Recent findings published in WashingtonU.Edu reveal that copper plays an integral role in learning and memory. Findings show that the mineral and its carrier, Atp7a, are vital to human thinking. They believe the gene coding in Atp7a and other proteins involved in copper homeostasis could be responsible for differences in thought processes among humans. 

Rat and mouse studies revealed that Atp7a could help shuttle copper between neural synapses helping nerves communicate. Additionally, metal ions such as copper could make these communications weaker or stronger increasing our ability to think and learn. 

Researchers discovered that copper dampens the activity of NMDA receptors in neural synapses. NDMA receptors determine the strength of neural connections which are critical to learning and memory. They used these findings to determine how copper deficiencies lead to cell death in Menkes Disease. 

Connecting the dots, they discovered how a copper deficiency can lead to neural degeneration. They are hoping to continue their research to establish a copper-related treatment for Menkes Disease and other cognitive defects. 

Copper has also been found to:

• Aid with Redox Balance: Copper can help balance electrons in the brain to protect against oxidative stress. 
• Help in the Production of Norepinephrine: Copper is a cofactor for the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase which converts dopamine into norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for blood control, the sleep-wake cycle, the flight or fight response, memory storage, and biorhythms. 
• Brain Development:  Copper plays a key role in the brain’s maturation, development, and function. 

Aiding Collagen Production and Wound Healing

Collagen is a protein that provides support for the body’s connective tissues. It is present in the skin, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and intestines. It is integral to wound healing as it aids with blood clotting, and supports cellular adhesion. 

As we age, collagen levels in the body diminish reducing our ability to heal wounds effectively. Research suggests copper supplementation may aid with collagen production supporting diminishing functionality. 

Copper activates lysyl oxidase, an enzyme required for collagen maturation. It helps form fibers that support tissues and assists tissues in regaining structural support after a wound occurs.

A 2014 NIH study backs copper’s ability to benefit the skin. It discusses pillowcases, socks, and wound dressings that contain non-soluble copper oxide in their yarns that may benefit broken skin. They may increase skin elasticity, improve wound healing, and minimize Athlete’s foot infections. 

Copper’s Role in Energy Production and Antioxidant Defense

Copper works as an energy conductor outside the body. Similarly, it can also produce energy inside the body. It acts as a cofactor for the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme which is located in the mitochondria and is integral in electron transfers that generate the body’s primary energy molecule, ATP. 

The mineral is a necessary component in cuproenzymes which are essential to various metabolic processes including energy production. It primarily contributes to energy production in the mitochondria where the cytochrome c enzyme lives. 

It can easily switch between oxidation states offering a seamless process of electron transfer. It also facilitates the transformation of oxygen to water which enables ATP synthesis. 

A copper deficiency may lead to a breakdown in energy production resulting in fatigue and other symptoms. 

Copper also acts as an antioxidant. It reduces free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. In this capacity, it protects the body from disease and early aging. However, when consumed in large quantities, it can also contribute to oxidative stress. 

The Role of Copper in Skin and Hair Health

Promoting Healthy Skin

Copper’s ability to support collagen production may make it the best kept hair and skin beauty secret. We previously discussed how collagen supports wound healing by helping skin retain its structure after a wound occurs. A similar process occurs in the skin and hair. 

Let’s start with the skin.

Collagen offers structural support to the skin. It promotes skin elasticity and firmness. As we age, collagen levels decrease causing sagging, bagging, and wrinkles. Many people take collagen supplements or use collagen-based creams to regain their youthful looks. 

Copper can help too. Its ability to activate lysyl oxidase and aid collagen production helps form fibers that support tissues. It helps tissues regain structural support promoting firmer skin and reducing loose skin and wrinkles. 

The mineral also contains peptides that can reduce inflammation which can be beneficial to people with acne and various skin conditions. It improves circulation which helps skin attain a glowing appearance. 

Enhancing Hair Health

Collagen is also the primary structural protein in hair. As we get older, a loss of collagen production causes hair to become thin, gray and more prone to damage. Copper supports collagen production producing the following benefits. 

• Supports Keratin Production: Copper supports collagen production. Collagen is rich in amino acids that help hair produce keratin, the protein that builds hair. It may help hair become thicker and more lustrous. 
• Reduces Damages Hair Follicles: Hair follicles can be damaged by free radicals disrupting hair growth. Copper’s antioxidant activity can protect hair from free radicals. It also contributes to collagen production which further protects hair. 
• May Prevent Hair Thinning: Collagen makes up 70% of the dermis or the middle layer of hair which supports individual strands. Levels of collagen reduce over time causing hair to thin. Collagen and copper supplementation can prevent hair from thinning. However, there is no evidence that it supports hair regrowth. 
• May Slow Graying: Graying is mainly attributed to genetics. However, free radical damage can also cause hair to gray. Collagen and copper can protect hair from free radicals to prevent graying. 

The Importance of Copper in Bone Health

Strengthening Bones

Copper’s ability to aid with collagen production also supports bone health. Collagen provides structural support for bones. It makes up about 30% to 40% of bone tissue. It also aids with bone deelopment by binding and storing growth factors and cytokines. 

The mineral also stimulates the production of osteoblasts, cells that form new bones and heal existing bones. They release bone matrix that turns proteins into new tissue and fill gaps within the tissue. 

As we get older, a decline in collagen production leads to brittle bones, osteoporosis, and slow bone healing. Copper supports collagen aiding with strong bones and preventing these conditions. Copper also reduces the risk of osteoclastic resorption, the process in which osteoclast cells break down bone tissue. 

Copper and Joint Flexibility

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that helps joints hold their shape and move smoothly. As we age, cartilage wears down causing a loss of joint flexibility. Arthritis commonly occurs. 

Copper is a cofactor for cartilage enzymes. It activates lysyl oxidase which is essential to collagen and elastin that supports cartilage formation. A deficiency may increase the risk of arthritis and related conditions. One study specifically established a link between rheumatoid arthritis and copper deficiencies. 

The mineral may also help reduce inflammation which could be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. However, it can also increase inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis under certain circumstances. 

Some people with arthritis wear copper bracelets because they believe they help reduce pain and increase flexibility. However, clinical studies have shown these bracelets do not provide actual benefits. They are no more effective than a placebo. 

The Role of Copper in Maintaining Health Blood Sugar Levels

Regulating Insulin Production

Irregular insulin production is an underlying cause of diabetes. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, does not produce any insulin, or produces insulin improperly. 

Copper may regulate insulin production helping diabetes patients. However, the relationship between copper and diabetes is complex. 

Studies reveal that copper-deficient rats have higher blood glucose levels than copper-supplemented rats. This finding shows copper could help control diabetic levels. 

However, copper may also interfere with glucose regulation. Research reveals high serum copper levels may be associated with poor glycemic regulation. It may also generate free radicals that impair glucose metabolism and support diabetes progression. Additionally, some studies show copper can contribute to the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which can impair glucose transport. 

Supporting Metabolism

Despite conflicting studies, copper could play a vital role in diabetes management by supporting metabolism. People who exercise regularly and boost their metabolism have shown improvement in blood glucose control. A healthy diet and weight management can also control glucose levels. 

Copper aids with metabolism by breaking down fats and carbohydrates and regulating energy levels. 

• Breaks  Down Fats: Copper binds to phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3), an enzyme that prevents fat burning. In essence, it blocks the enzyme while activating enzymes that break down fats. 
• Processes Carbohydrates: Copper does not directly break down carbohydrates, but it acts as a cofactor for enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Its ions participate in oxidation reduction reactions which break down carbohydrates and split sugar molecules. This activity establishes copper as an agent for maintaining normal blood sugar levels. 
• Energy Production: The mineral assembles cuproenzymes in the mitochondria which are involved in energy production and metabolism. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Copper Deficiency

Identifying Copper Deficiency Early

Several warning signs may alert you of a copper deficiency. It’s essential to pay attention to these signs so you can address the issue early before it becomes a bigger problem. Here are some to look out for. 

• Fatigue and Weakness: Copper plays a huge role in energy production. A deficiency could reduce energy levels causing fatigue and weakness. Low copper levels may also impact the body’s ability to absorb iron, which can further contribute to fatigue. 
• Frequent Illness: The mineral’s antioxidant properties protect the body from disease and boost immunity. A deficiency will impact your body’s ability to produce white blood cells making you prone to infection.  People who don’t get enough copper get sick more often and find it hard to recover. 
• Weak, Brittle Bones: Copper aids with collagen production fortifying bone health. A deficiency could lead to weak, brittle bones that contribute to osteoporosis and frequent fractures. 
• Problems with Learning and Memory: Copper's role in brain function means people with a deficiency may struggle to learn and remember information. If the issue is not addressed, it can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. 
• Sensitivity to Cold: Copper helps maintain thyroid gland function. When copper levels fall, it can impact your thyroid gland and interfere with metabolism and heat production. Scientists estimate that 80% of people with low thyroid levels are more sensitive to cold.

Populations at Risk for Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiencies are rare among healthy people. However, they could occur in premature infants and infants recovering from undernutrition or having persistent diarrhea. 

Adults with disorders that impair their absorption of nutrients such as Celiac disease,  cystic fibrosis, and tropical sprue are also prone to copper deficiency. It can be a side effect of bariatric surgery which may interfere with mineral absorption. It is also more common in people who consume a lot of iron and zinc, which can interfere with copper bioavailability. 

In some instances, a copper deficiency can be genetic as is the case with Menkes Disease. People with this rare genetic disease experience impaired copper transport through the body leading to a deficiency. Common symptoms include weak bones, sparse hair, wrinkled skin, poor muscle tones, and abnormal growth. 

Potential Risks of Excess Copper

Understanding Copper Toxicity and Its Effects

Copper is mostly beneficial, but copper toxicity can occur when someone inhales or consumes too much copper. Symptoms include:

• Digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Headaches 
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Difficulty speaking
• Involuntary movement
• Lack of focus
• Pale or light patches of skin
• Issues with balance and coordination

If the issue isn’t addressed, it can lead to serious medical conditions including bone weakening, connective tissue problems, anemia, kidney and liver damage, and an increased risk of infection. It can also cause cognitive impairment leading to Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Managing Copper Levels

You can avoid copper toxicity by keeping copper intake under control. Follow the recommended RDI considering the supplements and food in your diet. You may also take a zinc supplement to block copper absorption. 

Copper can also be consumed from other sources. For example, unwanted minerals can get into your tap water. A water filter will prevent this from happening. 

You should also avoid using corroded copper cookware as the mineral can leach into your food. 

Finally, be aware of copper toxicity symptoms so you can catch the issue early on and prevent further damage. 

Copper in Everyday Products

Benefits of Copper-Infused Products

Copper is more than a mineral found in food and supplements. It is also found in everyday products like bedding, clothing, and personal care items. Here are the benefits it provides in these applications. 

• Cosmetic Skincare: The mineral is often included in cosmetic skincare items. It supports collagen production making skin look firmer and more youthful. 
• Wound Healing: Copper’s ability to boost collagen production also makes it an ideal wound-healing aid. It may be included in topical antibiotics and bandages placed on wounds. 
• Bedding and Clothing: Copper is often manufactured into bedding and clothing because it has antimicrobial properties, increases blood flow, has thermal properties, benefits skin, and reduces wind resistance and friction. 

Copper in Home Decor

Copper is a popular home decor material. Its antimicrobial properties help maintain a clean environment. It is often used in cookware for its ability to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. 

It is also a favorite among decorators because it is: 

• Durable: Copper can last for decades.
• Attractive: The metal has an attractive rust-gold color that can enhance any aesthetic. It complements various decor styles and goes well with other metals. 
• Affordable: Copper’s abundance and versatility make it an affordable choice. 
• Insulation Properties: The metal is commonly integrated into cookware and home structures for its ability to retain heat. 
• Rusting: Copper will rust over time, but when it does, it develops a lovely patina that is slow and nontoxic. 

Conclusion

Copper has made a huge contribution to the world. It is used in various household products and is vital in healthcare. Proper supplementation benefits the heart, brain, skin, hair, immune system, and energy production. 

The right copper balance is essential. Take too much, and you risk toxicity. Take too little and a deficiency may occur. Research carefully to ensure you consume an amount suited to your health needs. 

Good luck making copper an essential part of your health routine. 

Questions

What are the first signs of a copper deficiency?

Early signs of a copper deficiency include skin and hair changes, fatigue, weakness, confusion, and irritability. If a deficiency is not addressed early on, it can lead to more serious medical conditions. 

How can I increase my copper intake naturally?

Diet is the best way to increase your copper intake naturally. Seafood, organ meats, nuts and seeds, and chocolate are ideal copper sources. 

Can copper interact with medications or other supplements?

Avoid taking copper with zinc and iron as they can limit copper absorption. Additionally, several medications interact with copper. 

Is it possible to have too much copper in the diet?

Yes, it is possible to have too much copper in your diet. Excessive copper can lead to copper toxicity. Early signs include mood swings, brain fog, difficulty speaking, fatigue, chills, and headaches. If untreated, it can lead to more severe medical conditions. 

How does coper benefit skin and hair health?

Copper is essential in collagen production. Collagen is the building block for skin and hair. Supplementation will make skin and hair look more radiant.

The Health Benefits of Copper Furniture

Copper is good for the body on both the inside and the outside. While a host of benefits is gained through copper consumption in water and various foods, the mineral's positive effects on muscles, bones, hair and skin are equally as powerful.

Copper furniture health benefits can be gained from bathtubs made of the metal. For example, CopperSmith sells soaking tubs in several different styles, including the Japanese-style Remojo™: a round, free-standing, spa-like tub made of 15-gauge recycled copper. Soaking in this tub for an hour or more, several times per week could help you maintain tight, youthful-looking skin and healthy, melanin-rich hair for years to come.

If you are in the market for copper cookware, tubs, and other household fixtures made of the metal, CopperSmith has a vast inventory of unique and stylish copper pieces for the kitchen, bathroom and living room. Whether you are looking for flasks or cups, woks or fry pans, tubs or sinks, or ranges or table tops, we have a range of furniture and décor to suit any style of interior.

To find out more about our copper cookware, cups, tubs, pans, and other items for drinking, dining, and bathing, click the link to our product pages today.