Copper is an essential mineral that humans must obtain through food. It has many functions in the body, including helping with protein synthesis and cellular energy. It also plays a critical role in oxidation-reduction reactions and free radical scavenging. You can find copper in many beans and legumes, as well as cocoa powder, mushrooms, barley, and crab meat.
Copper is an essential mineral for humans. Since your body doesn’t produce it, you must obtain it through food (or supplements).
Copper has many functions in the body including:
Copper can be found in several foods including:
Common symptoms and resulting conditions of copper deficiency include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
Note: copper deficiency is rare. However, those at risk include premature infants, infants fed only cow’s milk formula, those with malabsorption syndromes, excessive zinc consumption, and antacid use.
Common symptoms of copper excess/toxicity include:
However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.
For recipes rich in copper, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above!
Precision Nutrition’s Encyclopedia of Food expands every single month as we highlight new foods and showcase beautiful food photography. If you’d like to stay up to date, simply click this link. From there, we’ll send you a FREE copy of our recipe book. We’ll also let you know when new and delicious foods are added to the site.
Copper is an essential mineral that humans must obtain through food. It has many functions in the body, including helping with protein synthesis and cellular energy. It also plays a critical role in oxidation-reduction reactions and free radical scavenging. You can find copper in many beans and legumes, as well as cocoa powder, mushrooms, barley, and crab meat.