Health Benefits of Copper

Benefits of Copper

 

Copper is an essential trace mineral that facilitates the activity of several copper dependent enzymes and physiological processes within the body.

• The copper mineral plays a role in the development and maintenance of skin and connective tissue, and plays a key role in the body’s anti-inflammatory response.

• Copper also functions in the development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, and other blood vessels, the skeletal system, and the structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain.

• Copper ions are activators of copper dependant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD acts as an endogenous cellular defense system that degrades superoxide (O2-) into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. SOD is the body’s natural defense against free radicals that can damage the skin and cells. SOD also plays a key role in the body’s anti-inflammatory response mechanism.

• Another copper dependant enzyme, lysyl oxidase, is required for the production and cross-linking of collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin rejuvenation and formation of strong and flexible connective tissue. The action of lysyl oxidase also helps maintain the integrity of connective tissue in the heart and blood vessels and plays a role in bone formation.

• Copper is involved in numerous enzyme systems that break down or build up body tissues. It plays a role in the production of the skin pigment melanin by converting the amino acid tyrosine. Copper is also essential for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are a component of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves.

• Copper is known to be an effective bactericide and inhibits the replication of viruses. Copper is commonly used in piping for drinking water due to the inability of bacteria and viruses to replicate in its presence.

• Similar to other metalloid compounds, the positively charged natural copper ion also plays a role in balancing the electrical charges within body, improving the body’s overall well being.

 

HOW DOES THE BODY USE COPPER

Copper is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Although Hippocrates is said to have recommended copper compounds as early as 400 B.C., scientists are still uncovering new information regarding the functions of copper in the human body.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that facilitates the activity of several enzymes. The mineral provides a role in the development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, and other blood vessels, the skeletal system, and the structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain.

Copper (Cu) ions are activators of superoxide dismutase. (SOD)

SOD acts as an endogenous cellular defense system that degrades superoxide (O2-) into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, SOD is potentially useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Copper is a critical functional component of a number of essential enzymes, known as cuproenzymes. The copper-dependent enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, plays a critical role in cellular energy production.

Another cuproenzyme, lysyl oxidase, is required for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, which are essential for the formation of strong and flexible connective tissue. The action of lysyl oxidase helps maintain the integrity of connective tissue in the heart and blood vessels and plays a role in bone formation.

A number of reactions essential to normal function of the brain and nervous system are catalyzed by cuproenzymes.

Copper is involved in respiration and the synthesis of hemoglobin. It is essential in the production of collagen and the neurotransmitter noradrenalin. It is an important blood antioxidant and prevents the rancidity of polyunsaturated fats.

Copper is involved in numerous enzyme systems that break down or build up body tissues. It plays a role in the production of the skin pigment melanin by converting the amino acid tyrosine. The mineral is essential for the synthesis of phospholipids, which are a component of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves.

Copper works with iron in the development and maintenance of red blood cells and their protein hemoglobin.

SOD acts as an endogenous cellular defense system that degrades superoxide (O2-) into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, SOD is potentially useful as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.