Copper In Our Body

Copper is the third most richly found trace mineral in the human body, transported in the bloodstream on a plasma protein called ceruloplasmin. The liver and brain contain the largest amounts of copper in the human body, with smaller amounts in the organs. Copper is an essential component of natual pigment, melamin that gives colour to the skin hai and eyes. It is needed to make an enzyme that restricts arteries from hardening and possible rupturing.
Benefits of copper :
1. Copper plays a vital role in the body’s formation strong, flexible connective tissue, and in the proper cross-linking of collagen and elastin. Elastin helps to promote normal cardiovascular.
2. Numerous enzyme reactions recuire copper
3. Copper hlps in the effcient utilization of iron and protein, and assist with normal digestion
4. It is involved in the production of collagen- the protein responsible for the structural formation of bone, cartilage, skin, and tendon.
5. Copper is componen of the enzyme copper-zink dismutase and the protein ceruplasmin. They help inhibit free radical formation.
6. Copper is strong antioxidant and works together with aan antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase t protect cell membranes forms being destroyed by free radicals.
7. Copper is needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel of body.
8. Copper’s anti-inflammatory action help in reducing arthritis symptom.
9. Copper also promotes the maintenance of good skin health and contributes to healthy respiration and genral strength
10. Copper can also contributes to healthy ad normal cholesterol level
11. Help formation and maintenance of strong bone mass.
12. Excellent or the immune system
13. Copper is a common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis- because it helps promote healthycollafen in the body.
Copper is usually found in foods containing iron and in various foods, including organ meats, seafood, wheatgerm, beans peas, lentils patatoes, sweet patatoes, turnips nuts ( particularly walnut, peanuts, and cashews), pumpkins, sunflower and sesame seeds. Bread and cereals made from whole grains and barley are also good copper sources. Additional copper can come from drinking water from copper pipes and use of cooper cookware.
The body is able to store this mineral for later use. Because of this, it is not necessary o rely on a daily dietary intake. Recommended daily allowance for copper- the average dietary intake of copper should be approximately 1.0 to 1.1 mg/day adult womaen and 1.2 to 1.6 mg/day for adult men. For lacting women, it is around 1.3 mg/day.
Symptoms of possible copper defiency include :
1. Anaemia
2. Low body temperature
3. Bone fractures and osteoporosis, especially among agd women.
4. Promiently dilated veins
5. Low white blood cell count
6. Irreguler heartbeat
7. High colesterol levels
8. Increased vulneability to infection
9. Defects at birth
10. Loss of pigment from the skin hair
11. Thyroid disorders
12. Long term use oral contraceptis can upset the balance of copper in the body.
13. Hair problems, including hair fall and dry skin.