Introduction
Copper is a mineral that our body needs. It plays a major role in fighting iron deficiency that leads to anaemia. Iron cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract without the circulation of small amounts of copper in the body.
People are not aware of the full health benefits of copper suplements and they do not take enough of this important nutrient. Copper suplements can give you benefit in several ways. The most important function of this mineral is in the production of energy and in the formation of haemoglobin.
History
Throughout history, people involved in the business of healing have understood the importance of copper in staying healthy. Copper suplements have been used in the past for the treatment of diseases. Copper has been advised for medicinal purposes as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was being used as an application to the body even by the ancient Aztec Civilization.
Ancient Egyptian medical texts mention the use of copper as an agent of sterilization for drinking water and treating wounds. It has also been used for headaches, palsy and burns. Hippocrates, who is regarded as the father of modern medicine, has mentioned in his doctrines that copper is to be used as treatment for leg ulcers which are associated with varicose veins.
Features
Copper suplements make it easy for the body to use iron. Researchers have identified that copper makes a difference in the treatment of osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cancer. Studies have associated copper deficiencies with heart ailments by means of bad cholesterol levels, leading to hypertension. Other signs of copper deficiency include anaemia, baldness and skin sores.
It is to be remembered that copper can be toxic if you take it in excess. Excessive copper intake can give side effects like nausea, vomiting and joint pains. The National Academy of Sciences has set a maximum allowance level of three milligrams per day for adults and two and a half milligrams per day for children.
Most of the multi vitamins include copper as a supplement. Oral copper supplements can be found in gels and solutions. Copper suplements are an important part of a nutritional program for the healing of wounds. Many medical researchers believe that infusion of copper into wound dressings will help in healing faster and the regeneration of skin cells. Copper supplementation has also been found crucial in the treatment of arthritis.
Tips and comments
It has been established that copper suplements are important to the health of our nerves as these supplements are required to build and maintain myelin which is like an insulation that protects and covers our nerve cells. Our body requires copper suplements to help an enzyme which is essential for the production of the connective tissue proteins such as collagen and elastin. Copper works with Vitamin C and zinc to form elastin.
Copper supplements are also needed for the development and maintenance of our bones and skin including our blood vessels and joints. Copper is also instrumental in the healing process related with melanin which is the pigment connected with our hair color and skin.
