Know Facts
To Know Or Not To Know …
Copper
In humans, copper is essential to the proper functioning of many organs and metabolic processes. Copper is incorporated into a variety of proteins and metalloenzymes, which perform essential metabolic functions.
Copper is necessary for the proper growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs.
Copper is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization
of iron, the metabolism of cholesterol and glucose, and the synthesis and release
of life-
Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, to repair injured tissues,
and to promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-
In addition copper is essential for the normal growth and development of human fetuses, infants, and children.
Sources
The best dietary sources include shellfish, liver, whole grains (wheat and rye), beans, lentils and chocolate.
Nuts, including peanuts and pecans, are rich in copper, as are several fruits including lemons and raisins.
Other food sources that contain copper are cereals, potatoes, peas, red meat, mushrooms, kale, coconuts, papaya and apples.
Daily intake
For adults the recommended daily intake is 0.9 mg. The recommended intake for pregnant women is 1 mg/day and for lactating women it is 1.3 mg/day. Here is a list of foods having the highest content of copper.
Deficiency
Copper is ubiquitous and the daily requirement is low. Therefore 
copper deficiency
is very rare.
Eating a balanced diet with a range of foods from different food groups is the best way to avoid copper deficiency.
Excess
The maximum tolerable intake is 10 mg/day.
Acute symptoms of copper poisoning by ingestion include vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding and distress, low blood pressure, jaundice and coma.
Chronic (long-
Copyright: Know Facts -