Copping Out the Positive Effects of Copper

One must always keep in mind that copper is not just a kind of metal, when it comes to medicine and health, copper is actually a trace element mineral that serves a wide variety of purposes for the body, both on its own as well as a cofactor. Although the body requires a comparatively tiny amount of copper per day, even that little bit of copper is proven to be essential to having very good health.

Copper came to be recognized in the 1870's as a basic part of our blood. This mineral is called an elemental because it is a metal. In terms of concentration, it is the third greatest metal present in our bodies. Copper is present throughout a person's body and serves many purposes that influence physical and mental health and function. Aside from being able to affect a person's health even on its own, copper actually works well even with other vitamins and minerals which in turn ensure that a person's health is very well taken cared of.

Copper works with Vitamin C in the production of collagen and elastin, these are connective tissues that quite literally, hold the body together. In addition to this ability of wound healing, copper also plays a big role in the first step to wound healing, blood clotting. It also helps the body absorb and use iron more efficiently as well as partners with iron in the production of red blood cells, which serves the very important task of bringing in oxygen throughout the body. It also helps make bones stronger by working with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, Vitamin D and Vitamin C.

Melanin, the substance that gives skin and hair their natural color actually needs copper for its production. Copper has a role in the production of hormones that come from the thyroid and is important to how fast a person's metabolism is resulting to the regulation of one's body weight. Staying fit does not only show off a person's healthy well-being but it also serves as a clear source of pride and confidence.

Copper also has a role in how the nervous system functions as well. It is necessary in the creation of the myelin sheath, which protects nerves and ensures that they're able to communicate well with each other. The connective tissues and nerves in the brain require copper for both structure and function. Copper also serves as a contributing factor in the production of the body's important antioxidant enzymes, making a significant contribution to the control of the damaging free radicals.

Copper has a role in each and every part of the body's major systems and processes. As a trace element the body requires just a tiny bit of copper daily. Adults should have just 1.5mg to 3mg per day. Always remember that too much copper can actually be toxic to the body's system. The body's systems only need a basic amount of copper per day and are regulated by chemical reactions. Chemicals in the body that are delicately balanced as a group.

Since it's quite hard to ensure that we're taking the right amount of these nutrients that can be found in our food each and every day, it is a practical and wise move to actually start taking in some nutrient supplements that can help regulate the amount of vitamins and minerals that can be found in our bodies. However, it is still very important to be conscious of one's diet and to continue having regular exercise as these may be the healthier choice when you want to have a renewed, healthier lifestyle.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005.

For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

---

The Minefield Of Eating Out On A Gluten Free Diet

Eating out when you are on a restricted diet always has the potential for difficulty. Only yesterday I was reminded of this when we went out for a late Sunday meal.As always we... Read More

The Power of Capsulized Foods

For most people, the concept of capsulized food? usually conjures up images of space travelers ingesting meals condensed into a compact pill. However, in modern-day reality, things are quite different. Capsulized foods are... Read More

Understanding Vegetarianism

Like the Sun, Moon, and Earth, there are three kinds of vegetarians in existence: ovo-lacto, a vegetarian that eats vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, as well as eggs and dairy products.... Read More

Startling New Evidence: You Can Slow the Aging Process, Scientists Say

What if you could actually slow your rate of aging, and live healthier longer, simply by eating certain foods? U.S. Government scientists now say it's possible.Floyd P. Horn, then Administrator of the scientific... Read More

Starbucks and Children Health Risks

Do you know the risks to daily intakes of Starbucks Frappachinos? Some believe that Starbucks and Health Risks are linked. For instance we know excessive sugar is not good for you and increases... Read More

Soytastic ? The Health Benefits of Soy

It is often taken as a given fact that soy is beneficial to our health, and that it is certainly a healthier alternative to dairy products and meat. However, it is rare that... Read More

How to Pick a Trainer ?

Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people starting a workout program is to keep moving, so I highly recommend starting with a basic walking regiment ie. {like walk around the... Read More

Cherries Taste Great and Build Health

You must add some fresh cherries, which are now in season, to your health routine this week.I don't know about you, but when my local supermarket runs specials on cherries, I won't leave... Read More

Understanding Glyconutrients

You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are not alone. Perhaps you have heard a bit about glyconutrients but you don't really know what they are or how they could benefit... Read More

The In-Office Emergency Nutritional Kit

Tired of having stare-downs with those boxes of Krispy Kremes, trays of brownies, and platters of cookies some well-intentioned but nutritionally clueless co-worker brings into the office? Be prepared for these and other... Read More

Dietary Sources of Glutathione

DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and detoxifying agent whose protective role has been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies. GSH is synthesized rapidly in the liver, kidneys, and other tissues... Read More

Acid and Digestive Disorders: Breaking the Vicious Circle

THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to those who have it. During the digestive process, acid flows up into the throat and causes a burning sensation. This is caused by... Read More

Maximizing Your Nutrition Dollar

Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on producing fruits and vegetables that ship well, not nutrient content. How food is stored and processed has an impact on nutrition. The best... Read More

What Everybody Ought to Know About Food Additives

Every day we are bombarded with information about food products that are healthy, all natural, have no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, low fat, no fat, no cholesterol, sugar free, vitamin fortified and provide... Read More

The Five Keys to Healthy Eating

1. Enjoy what you eatWhether someone is following the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet, the advice contained in Tom Venuto's e-Book, "Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle" or even a program of... Read More

5 Favorite Summer-Break Tips

You can trust me that I make sure to take care to have as EnergyRich? a vacation as possible (why come back from vacation feeling bloated, a few pounds heavier, experiencing heartburn etc,... Read More

7 Tips on Using Food Diet Remedies for Your Common Health Ailments

Making simple changes to your food diet can help remedy some of the common health problems. Increasingly, more health experts are acknowledging that natural food is a good alternative medicine against many diseases.... Read More

Your Target of Health is Easy

Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called health, yet have no idea what it would look like if we had it. We are going after this elusive thing, but we... Read More

Surprise! Many Fats, Even Some Saturated Fats Can Actually Be Good for You

I'll preface this article by saying that it will help if you have an open mind and accept that some of these facts are a slap in the face to politically correct nutrition... Read More

Food Labels: Fact or Fiction?

How often do you pick up items at the grocery and scan the labels? Do you understand them? Ever wonder if they are really accurate? Many consumers probably glance at them, but based... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Essential Fatty Acids are oils, omega-3 and omega-6, that you can find, in certain amounts, in all oils that you can purchase in most the health food and regular grocery stores. These fatty... Read More

Whey Protein Importance

Studies on whey demonstrate it's an even better protein supplement than previously thought. Although whey protein's health benefits have only recently been elucidated, the use of whey protein for medicinal purposes has been... Read More

3 Things You Want to Know About Cholesterol

You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You would want to open the book and read part of it to get a better idea about what is going on, right?Well, judging... Read More

Nutritional Myths that Just Wont Die: Protein!

When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there are many myths and fallacies that float around like some specter in the shadows. They pop up when you least expect them and... Read More

How To Treat and Prevent Low Carb Diet Headaches

Strict "no carb" phases of low carb diets have developed a reputation for giving dieters severe headaches. Dietitians have identified a number of different factors that could cause these headaches. They vary from... Read More

Understanding Amino Acids and their Importance in Diet

The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well known to nutritional scientists, and widely understood by the general population. Indeed, every bodily system is directly or indirectly supported by protein. For... Read More

5 Secrets of Reading Food Labels Revealed

Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply losing weight, you want to eat a healthy diet and focus on foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, and balanced... Read More

The Danger of Curbing Hunger Artificially

Unhealthy eating is a harmful problem in America, and contrary to a very outdated perception, this harm is not limited to those who suffer from obesity[1]. In reality, according to the Directors of... Read More

Take Control of Your Health

In large part, you're in control of your health, not your doctor. And taking control of your health doesn't really depend on whether or not you have medical conditions.Taking control means developing habits... Read More