Copper Benefits

As with many things in nature, a balance needs to be achieved for harmony to exist. This is equally true concerning copper and cognitive function and brain health. Copper is involved in neurodevelopment and growth and it is essential for proper cognitive development. This is illustrated by the fact that proper amounts of copper in the body have been associated with more advanced thought processes and the ability to absorb and process complex information. However, too much copper can be a negative, causing cognitive decline instead. Keep in mind that there is little risk of consuming too much copper through dietary means alone, and that the amount you do get serves to keep your brain in tip-top shape.

Promotes Immune Function. Copper is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy white blood cell count; many of these white cells are phagocytes which engulf and destroy microorganisms. Copper deficiency can lead to a depressed immune system, reduced white cell count and increased incidence of pneumonia.

Copper is essential for a healthy immune system. Formation of the cells of our immune system (white blood cells) Maintenance of a healthy and effective immune response White blood cells are the infection fighting heroes in your body. Copper deficiency and inadequate copper intake has been shown to reduce the number of white blood cells in your body, making your more vulnerable to infections. Proper amounts, is taken to help build and maintain a supportive population of white blood cells to keep you healthy.

If you have arthritis or joint pain, you may already be familiar with copper bands and bracelets that are intended to be worn near areas of inflammation. The theory behind these healing devices is that by wearing them, trace amounts of copper will be absorbed transdermally. While research is not conclusive on the effects of copper bracelets, the fact that many people who wear them report some relief of symptoms is enough reason to consider the benefits of copper for arthritis relief. It is an anti-inflammatory and also help to strengthen the supportive structures of the muscular system. Reducing inflammation and strengthening the structures that supports woolen and sore joints are two primary focuses of a good arthritis treatment plan.

Copper is an essential element for proper growth and development. What we don’t always realize is the growth doesn’t end after we pass through adolescence. Throughout your life, your body is constantly repairing, rebuilding and rejuvenating itself, and it requires adequate copper to make this happen. Deficiencies in copper are among the number one reasons for birth defects and growth delays throughout the world.

Maintenance of healthy skin and connective tissue. Due to copper’s unique combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, it is the trifecta of wound care. Additionally, copper also helps to support healthy cell renewal and rejuvenation, so that while your body is fighting off possible infection, copper is working to replace the damaged skin cells.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and the type most easily remedied by dietary modifications, such as making sure you have adequate copper intake. Copper increases red blood cell count and aids in the absorption of iron in the digestive system by assisting in the release of iron from primary storage sites in the body.

If you have been having digestive issues, you might want to consider looking into how much copper is in your diet. Copper has antibacterial properties which help the good bacteria in your gut fight off the bad bacteria, an important mechanism for maintaining proper florabalance in your digestive system. It is also great for healing stomach ulcers due to the combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Ask almost anyone worried about the signs of premature aging, what their number one concern is and more often than not, the answer will the appearance of fines lines that become more and more noticeable with each passing year. Copper, whether consumed or applied topically through infused products, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help to counteract the damaging of effects of free radicals in your skin cells. Copper also stimulates cellular renewal so that you get the double punch of cellular healing and rejuvenation, keeping your skin vibrant and youthful looking.

Generation and storage of energy in the ‘power plants’ of our cells, the mitochondria. Have you been feeling a little worn out and fatigued lately? It could be that you are missing opportunities to increase the base amount of copper in your system. Copper is an element that is necessary for the synthesis of the nucleotide ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which in the most basic of terms is the currency that your body uses for energy creation and transfer. Details of the process can be saved for biology textbooks, but what you need to know right now is that without adequate copper, your body lacks the resources to produce energy on a molecular level, which can leave you feeling tired and drained.

Your thyroid is an important gland that regulates hormonal function as well as metabolism, growth and maturation. Many people suffer from thyroid conditions which include hypo and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid function requires a delicate balance of vitamins and minerals, one of which is copper. Some preliminary studies show that a shared trait in people who suffer from thyroid conditions is an imbalance in copper levels. When it comes to thyroid health, it is important to remember that balance is key. Too much copper can be just as detrimental as too little.

Structural integrity and function of heart and blood vessels Cardiovascular disease is a leading health crisis of our times. With each batch of research and each study, we begin to learn more and more about how to treat and prevent this serious disease.
Trace amounts of it have been shown to help regulate blood pressure and prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Add to it that copper is suspected of helping to lower triglyceride levels and it becomes apparent that it is essential for cardiovascular health.
Copper is essential for the synthesis of collagen. This is found in connective tissue, which is the main supporting and binding tissue of the body. Copper is also needed for healthy muscle tone and function and so plays a vital role in the heart. Copper deficiency can lead to heart failure.