Our bodies need a range of minerals and vitamins to maintain health and function, and one of the necessary minerals is copper. Some people find this information confusing, as they only know of copper as a metal used for pipes and other material functions. If you fall into this category, then you may not know how to include copper in your diet. Here is what you need to know about why you need copper, what happens if you do not have enough, and how to include copper in your diet by including the right foods.
Why Do You Need Copper in Your Diet?
Copper is an essential mineral that our body needs to function properly. It plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, helps maintain healthy bones, and supports the immune system. Copper is also necessary for producing collagen, a protein essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
What If We Don’t Have Enough Copper in Our Diet?
If you don’t have enough copper in your diet, you may experience various health problems. Copper deficiency can lead to anaemia, characterized by a lack of red blood cells. It can also cause osteoporosis, which weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. In addition, a lack of copper can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Other symptoms of copper deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. However, it’s important to note that the risk of copper toxicity is low for most people, as the body can regulate the amount of copper it absorbs from food.
Can You Eat Too Much Copper in Your Diet?
On the other end of the spectrum, having too much copper in your diet is possible. Copper toxicity can lead to a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can cause liver damage and even coma. Therefore, getting the right amount of copper in your diet, neither too little nor too much, is important. The recommended daily intake of copper for adults is around 900 micrograms per day.
Which Foods Contain Copper?
You can find copper in various foods, including nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and organ meats such as liver. Some seafood, like oysters and crab, also contain copper.
Recommended Recipes
To give you some ideas of the meals to eat to get copper in your diet, here are some of the easy recipes we recommend:
Note: This article is a guide only. If you are concerned about your diet and its impact on your health, seek guidance from a professional.
[…] Copper is an essential mineral for many bodily functions. It helps to maintain healthy bones, form red blood cells, and support the immune system. Copper is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals damage. In addition, copper is involved in producing collagen, a protein important for maintaining healthy skin and connective tissues. […]
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