Copper deficiency in humans, and ways to overcome

Copper in small amounts is essential for the functioning of the human body. The mineral combines with iron and aids healthy blood functions. Copper is a trace mineral present in all body tissues and is required for survival. It plays a role in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of nerve cells. Copper helps the body absorb iron and aids in the formation of collagen and energy production. Maintaining adequate dietary copper intake is considered important for overall bone and cardiovascular health.

Hypocupremia, or copper deficiency, occurs due to inadequate consumption and absorption of dietary copper. The deficiency of copper in the body can have serious and damaging consequences on the health of an individual. Copper deficiency is characterized by neuropathy, unsteady gait, muscle spasticity, and, in some cases, anemia. Copper deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness due to insufficient ATP production. Copper deficiency also reduces the production of neutrophils, which are key elements in building white blood cells. Copper is essential for the formation and preservation of myelin, which coats nerves and promotes signal transmission in the nervous system. Weakness, numbness, and pain can be felt in hands and feet when an individual is deficient in dietary copper. Copper deficiency can lead to abnormalities in the spinal cord that cause decreased body activity, discomfort, and fatigue.

Copper deficiency can lead to insufficient dopamine levels in the body, which can affect feelings of motivation and wellbeing. A deficiency can also cause stunted growth, weakening bones, and anemia in infants.

How much copper is enough?
Copper levels in the body may be affected by both too much and too little. Imbalances in copper levels have been associated with a range of health conditions, which is why maintaining an appropriate dietary intake is important.

For teenagers and adults, the prescribed daily allowance (RDA) is about 900 micrograms (mcg) per day. Adjusting diet can often help support healthy copper levels. Foods rich in dietary copper include oysters, crabs and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, hazelnuts, peanuts, potatoes, kidney beans, dark leafy greens like spinach, and chocolate. Another easy way of naturally including more copper in daily life is by cooking, serving, and storing food in copper vessels, following a tradition practiced across many cultures for centuries.

Cooking, serving, and storing in copper vessels:
Ayurveda mentions the different benefits of incorporating copper into daily routines. The metal is one of the most ancient ones used to store water and cook meals. The wisdom on the usage of copper—like many ancient traditions—got somewhat lost in the race for faster, cheaper materials. Modern-day living sees a revival of copper, again making inroads to kitchens for the qualities it offers. The market today offers a variety of utensils, bottles, and canisters to naturally complement copper intake as part of a balanced diet. You can choose to cook in copperware, store in copper boxes, and drink out of good-looking handy copper water bottles as part of a wholesome lifestyle. While copper in trace amounts is essential, excess can be damaging. Using substandard unlined copperware can lead to excessive copper leaching into food and have harmful consequences. All our products are completely safe and thoroughly tested to offer the best quality.

Foods you may want to avoid storing in copperware:

Foods that have an acidic quality could react with copperware if stored for long periods of time. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, lemon, and fried foods can potentially dissolve copper into your food; hence, you should avoid cooking, storing, or serving these in copperware.

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