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Copper

The What, Why and Where?

Copper is an important trace mineral that plays an essential role in bodily processes, such as iron utilization, the development of bone and connective tissue, and the elimination of free radicals. It is stored mainly in the liver, but is present in every tissue of the body.

In the development of bone and connective tissue, copper is a component of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that contributes to the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two very important structural proteins found in connective tissue and bone.

In the production of melanin, copper plays a key role by way of enzymes: cytochrome c oxidase (energy production), dopamine hydroxylase (conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine), and Factor IV (blood clotting).

If you are iron deficient, have bone and joint problems, and are experiencing loss of hair or skin color, these events could indicate a need for more foods that are high in copper.

Some foods that contain copper include:

•  Crimini Mushrooms – Rich in flavor and nutrients, crimini mushrooms are an excellent source of copper. Also known as baby bellas and Portabellini, crimini mushrooms are a healthy addition to many dishes. Add finely chopped crimini mushrooms to pasta sauce, or add into your favorite omelet. Raw crimini mushrooms are an excellent source of copper, potassium and vitamin B2, and a very good source of manganese, vitamin B1 and zinc.

•  Mustard Greens – Down through the centuries, the mustard plant has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Both the leaves (mustard greens) and seeds are used from this plant. Boiled mustard greens are an excellent source of dietary fiber, manganese and vitamins A and C, and are a very good source of copper, iron, potassium and protein.

•  Spinach – This delicate-tasting, health-promoting vegetable provides more nutrients than any other food, calorie for calorie. It is known to help protect against arthritis, colon cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Boiled spinach is an excellent source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamins A, C and K. It is a very good source of copper, dietary fiber, protein and zinc.

•  Turnip Greens – An excellent source of copper, this nutritionally supercharged vegetable can aid in the prevention of, and help heal, several health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Cooked turnip greens are an excellent source of calcium, copper, dietary fiber and vitamins A and C, and a very good source of iron, magnesium and potassium.

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Key Terms in This Article
Vitamin C - fights colds and flus by boosting the immune... more >
Vitamin A - Helps eye health (including seeing normally in... more >
Potassium - helps control the body's fluid balance, helps... more >
Manganese - Apart from its uses in rare overt deficiency... more >
Magnesium - an essential mineral in human nutrition with a... more >
Iron - a necessary mineral for the proper function of... more >
Folate - is the naturally occurring form of folic acid... more >
Calcium - The most plentiful mineral in the body and one of... more >
Copper - required for normal infant development, red and... more >
Zinc - vital for growth and development, sexual... more >
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Vitamin B2
Dietary Fiber
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Iron
Folate
Manganese
Vegetarian
Vitamin A
Spinach
Zinc
Calcium
Potassium
Protein
Copper
Turnip Greens

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