Introduction
Copper is essential for the body’s overall healthy existence as it facilitates normal metabolic processes in conjunction with vitamins and amino acids. However, it cannot be synthesized within the body and, therefore, needs to be sourced from external food sources. Mostly carried by Ceruloplasmin (blood plasma protein), copper is the third most prevalent mineral in the human body and for one to fully enjoy its health benefits, it has to be included in the daily diet. Some of these benefits include:
Proper growth
Copper is vital for good health and normal growth. It is thus important that you incorporate it in balanced levels in your diets as it also aids in the protection of the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. If you were to suffer from a copper deficiency, then the healthy and normal growth of tissues and organs as well as their proper oxygenation from red blood cells would almost be impossible.
Brain stimulation
Copper is widely acknowledged as a brain stimulant which is, perhaps, why foods that have a high copper nutrient are considered brain foods’. However, the amount of copper in one’s diet has to be just right as too much is also not ideal for the brain. In addition, copper is synonymous with higher thought processes with studies showing that it allows neural pathways to develop uniquely.
Pigmentation of eyes and hair
Copper is a vital constituent of melanin- the natural dark pigment that is responsible for imparting coloration to the hair, skin, and eyes and which is produced by melanocytes only in the presence of tyrosinase, derived from copper. Further, copper supplements, often overlooked as antioxidant minerals, guard against graying of hair and also protect the integrity of cells that are responsible for keeping you looking young. Copper also maintains eye color and along with zinc, it is essential in keeping the eyes beautifully colored into your sunset years.
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