Why Copper?
Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining various bodily functions and promoting overall health. It is involved in several critical processes, including the formation of red blood cells, absorption and utilisation of iron, and the development and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, and organs such as the brain and heart. Copper's antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Furthermore, copper is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system, aiding in the prevention of infections and promoting the healing of wounds. Its role in energy production is also significant, as it is a key component of enzymes that generate energy from carbohydrates and fats.
A report on the benefits of Copper from the leading publication: Medical News Today:
Copper has been found to have benefits for cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure and heart rate, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Its involvement in collagen production not only supports skin elasticity and wound healing but also contributes to the health of the joints and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and joint-related conditions. The antimicrobial properties of copper are noteworthy as well; surfaces made from copper or copper alloys can significantly reduce the presence of harmful microbes, thereby decreasing the risk of infection.
Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. It is found in all body tissues and plays a role in making red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells and the immune system.
It also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy production.
Most copper in the body is found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle.
Deficiency is rare, but it can lead to cardiovascular disease and other problems.
Fast facts about copper
- Copper is necessary for a range of bodily functions.
- Copper deficiency is rare except in specific conditions, such as Menkes disease.
- Copper supplements are not usually necessary and may lead to an imbalance.
- A copper imbalance has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Health benefits
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body.
Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells.
It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption.
Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.
Cardiovascular health
Low copper levels have been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. One group of researchers has suggested that some patients with heart failure may benefit from copper supplements.
Animal studies have linked low copper levels to CVD, but it remains unclear if a deficiency would have the same impact on humans.
Neuron signalling
In 2016, Prof. Chris Chang, a chemist who is part of the Sackler Sabbatical Exchange Program at Berkeley, CA, devised and used a fluorescent probe to track the movement of copper in and out of nerve cells.
Prof. Chang says: “Copper is like a brake or dimmer switch, one for each nerve cell.”
His team found that, if high amounts of copper enter a cell, this appears to reduce neuron firing. When copper levels in that cell fall, signaling resumes.
Immune function
Too little copper can lead to neutropenia. This is a deficiency of white blood cells, or neutrophils, which fight off infection. A person with a low level of neutrophils is more likely to get an infectious disease.
Copper (Cu) and its alloys are prospective materials in fighting covid-19 virus and several microbial pandemics, due to its excellent antiviral as well as antimicrobial properties.
There is historical and current evidence of the antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of copper.
Osteoporosis
Severe copper deficiency is associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis.
More research is needed on how marginal copper deficiency may affect bone health, and how copper supplementation might help prevent and manage osteoporosis.
Collagen production
Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, major structural components of our bodies. Scientists have hypothesized that trusted source copper may have antioxidant properties, and that, together with other antioxidants, a healthful intake may help prevent skin aging.
Without sufficient copper, the body cannot replace damaged connective tissue or the collagen that makes up the scaffolding for bone.
This can lead to a range of problems, including joint dysfunction, as bodily tissues begin to break down.
Antioxidant action
Copper also have an antioxidant function. It helps reduce the production of free radicals.
Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, leading to cancer and other diseases.
Copper (Cu) is of major significance in controlling the level of oxygen radicals as an active centre of enzymes, such as oxidase and oxygenase, while Zn is directly involved in antioxidant activity and detoxification processes.
Disclaimer: Please note that Sabona Copper Bracelets are not intended to replace any other treatment as prescribed by Doctors.