5 Reasons to Increase Your Copper Intake and How to Do It
Most of us think of pennies when we think of copper, but it is a mineral that is found naturally in our bodies. While our bodies certainly need copper, eating a bunch of pennies is not the right way to go about it. Here are five reasons why you need to get more copper into your diet, followed by how you can make that happen without feasting on the contents of your piggy bank.
1 Promotes proper function in your body
Copper helps your body make enough red blood cells. It also keeps your nerve cells healthy, as well as your immune system strong. Copper deficiency can significantly weaken your immunity and lead to various infections, osteoporosis, metabolic diseases, and skin depigmentation, among the others.
2 Keeps you looking and feeling younger
Copper helps your body form collagen, which keeps bones and connective tissues working together. Collagen is also in your skin and as you age, it depletes in the deepest layers of your skin, making it susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines.
3 It has powerful antioxidant properties
Known for possessing potent antioxidant properties, copper reduces the free radicals in your body that can cause inflammation and damage your cells and DNA. This antioxidant nutrient will lower your disease and cancer risks and give you enough energy to tackle bacteria.
Read also – 9 Health Benefits of Eating Brown Rice
4 Helps you create energy and absorb iron
With enough copper in your body, you are able to create energy. It also helps you absorb iron, something your body needs to even be able to handle your energy. If you are feeling lethargic, you may need to get more copper into your diet.
5 It wards off bone loss and other health issues
Because of its ability to help your body create red blood cells, getting enough copper is essential for those with anemia. It has also been shown to slow arthritis and prevent bone loss.
How to Boost Your Copper Intake
The best way to get enough copper is to make sure you are eating enough of it in your diet. Taking supplements can be too dangerous because there is such a thing as copper poisoning. By simply eating foods that have plenty of copper in them, it is much safer.
You can find copper in certain types of seafood like:
- oysters
- lobster
- squid
- crab
- mussels
- clams
You will find it in organ meats and popular foods like:
- liver
- nuts
- nut butter
- legumes
- unsweetened chocolate
- enriched cereals
- dried fruits
- mushrooms
- potatoes
- bananas
- grapes
- avocados
- sweet potatoes
Vegan-friendly sources include:
- sesame seeds
- cashew nuts
- spirulina
- soybean kernels
- toasted sunflower seed kernels
- lentils
- black beans
- falafel
Read also – 8 Vegan Foods Rich in Iron
In order for your body to fully utilize copper, you must make sure to balance your intake of zinc and manganese along with it. Be sure you are getting enough of the nutrients your body needs. The foods we eat can help heal us and keep our bodies stronger, faster, healthier, and younger for much longer.
Are you getting enough copper in your diet? Make sure to start eating as many of the foods listed in this article so you can start reaping the benefits of eating enough copper. Your body will thank you for it!
