Table of contents:
- Benefits of copper for health
- 1. Play a role in producing collagen
- 2. Prevent osteoporosis
- 3. Maintain heart health
- 4. Maintain immunity
- The risk of consuming excessive copper
Copper is a mineral needed by the body. You can get this mineral from various sources such as food and supplements. Copper itself can be found in all body tissues and plays a role in red blood cells and maintains nerve cells and the immune system. Most of the copper in the body is found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys and skeletal muscles. To be clearer, here is a review of the benefits of copper and also the risks if consumed in excess.
Benefits of copper for health
Here are the various health benefits of copper that are important for you to know:
1. Play a role in producing collagen
Copper plays an important role in the production of collagen and elastin which are important for healthy body tissues. Without adequate copper intake, the body cannot repair and replace damaged connective tissue or collagen. This can lead to joint malfunction due to insufficient collagen.
Quoted from Medical News Today, researchers have a suspicion that copper may have antioxidant properties that can help prevent the skin aging process.
2. Prevent osteoporosis
Copper can help prevent bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. A study conducted on healthy women aged 45-56 years found quite interesting evidence. Women who took 3 milligrams of copper supplements per day did not show a decrease in bone mineral density. In contrast, women who were given placebo pills (empty pills, without any substance) actually experienced a significant decrease in bone mineral density.
3. Maintain heart health
Quoted from Reader's Digest, experts state that adequate intake of copper helps keep cholesterol levels low, prevents arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), and prevents high blood pressure.
For this reason, fulfill your daily intake of copper from both food and supplements to keep your heart healthy and avoid dangerous diseases that can cause damage.
4. Maintain immunity
People who are deficient in copper will experience a condition known as neutropenia. Neutropenia is a condition when white blood cells or neutrophils are reduced from normal numbers. Though white blood cells are very important in maintaining the immune system because they function to fight infection. So, if you are deficient in copper on a daily basis, your body will be more susceptible to disease and other infections.
The risk of consuming excessive copper
Besides having health benefits, there are several risks that can also be caused by copper. You are at risk of developing copper poisoning if:
- Take more than the recommended dose for copper supplements.
- Drink water with a high copper content such as well water or water stored in copper pipes.
- Exposure to chemicals that contain high levels of copper.
- Use of copper-based cooking utensils.
When you experience copper poisoning, your body will show various symptoms such as:
- Gag
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Muscle ache
- Liver damage
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
In addition, you may develop a condition known as Wilson's disease. This condition occurs when the liver is unable to remove excess copper. As a result, copper will accumulate in various organs such as the brain, liver and eyes. If left untreated, Wilson's disease can be life-threatening and cause death.
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