Copper is another essential trace mineral contained in the human body. It exists in its greatest amount in the Liver and Brain but also found in the Heart, Kidneys and muscle.
Copper:
Helps energy production.
Helps the body absorb iron.
Helps the body form collagen.
Works with iron and forms red blood cells.
Both copper deficiency and copper excess can be negative to the human body. It is rare to have a true deficiency in copper, even through most people do not get enough in their food. Symptoms that can be affected by a copper deficiency are sensitivity to cold, fatigue, premature greying of hair, memory loss, lower immune system and weak or brittle bones. Both extremes can affect brain function and studies have linked deficiency to Menkes, Wilson's, and Alzheimer's disease.
Copper toxicity though rare is still heavy metal poisoning and can affect the Stomach, organs and Heart. This can happen if exposed to contaminated food and water or if one works in an environment with high levels of copper.
It is always the best to receive your minerals foremost through food. Foods that contain copper are shellfish, especially oysters, squid, chocolate, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, dried legumes, liver, organ meat, black pepper, black seed molasses, seeds, potatoes, prunes and bentonite clay.
Tip: drink your water out of a copper cup
Tip: talk to your TICM Doctor before taking any copper supplements.