What is Copper?
Copper is one of the minerals that the body needs in order to maintain its chemical balance. It is concentrated in the liver, muscle and bone. Many natural foods contain copper, but the richest sources are nuts, seeds, chickpeas, liver and oysters.
What are the health benefits of Copper?
As an antioxidant nutrient, copper helps to protect the body from free radicals, which alter the chemical structure of its cells. Free radicals damage cells, especially in the skin, and cause signs of aging to appear. Copper is an essential component of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that attacks free radicals when they enter the body via air pollution and other toxins.
Consuming copper rich foods or copper supplements can benefit the skin. Sesame seeds, with their high copper content, have long been recognized in China for their nourishing properties, and eaten by Chinese women to promote beautiful hair and skin. Maintaining the right balance of copper in one’s diet can help to prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies have also linked adequate copper levels in the body with resistance to the common cold, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and macular degeneration.
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