What is useful and harmful to copper for the body

The benefits and harms of copper have been proven in ancient times. Without this element, it is impossible to maintain a normal level of vital activity, it is necessary for the body. On the other hand, copper can be harmful and cause serious illness.

Description of substance

Copper (Cuprum) is a metal known since ancient times. The substance is very plastic, the color is rose gold. In the process of oxidation, it acquires a reddish tint and becomes covered with a film. Pure copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity.

In the periodic table, it ranks 29th, is in the 4th period. She settled down in a group with precious metals.

Useful properties of copper

Copper is of great benefit to the human body. This was noticed in ancient times. In Rome, Greece and other countries, they used methods of healing with copper coins.

Today, metal is used as a means:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antibacterial;
• hemostatic;
• antipyretic.

Treatment can help with:

• stopping bleeding;
• resorption of benign neoplasms;
• relieving pain;
• defeat of the tonsils - tonsillitis and sore throat;
• headache;
• sinusitis;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• strengthening the immune system;
• varicose veins.

In addition, the element takes part in the production of red blood cells. It is important in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, affects pigmentation, is responsible for the strength of bone tissue.

Copper Source Products

What foods contain copper? After all, it is from food that the body receives this element. The food list is really varied. Most experts suggest dividing foods into two groups: vegetable and animal.

Plant origin

Cereals are the record holders for the content of the element. You can use any kind: sunflower seeds, pumpkin, flax. A high content is recorded in cereals - pearl barley, couscous, bulgur, rice, and porridge - oatmeal, buckwheat, semolina.

Copper is found in foods that contain flour. For example, in baked goods. However, baked goods are high in sugar and fat. Better to choose bread made from durum and whole grain flour.

Foods containing the element include fruits and berries. Among fruits, apricots, bananas, grapes, pineapples, etc. are characterized by the highest copper content. A large amount contains raspberries, strawberries, cherries, black currants, and cranberries.

Dried fruits and nuts are also rich in copper:

• raisins;
• dried apricots;
• prunes;
• dates;
• hazelnut;
• cocoa beans.

Contained in herbs and spices. For example, in dill, spinach, ginger.

Animal origin

Many scientists claim that seafood contains the most metal. Seafood has been considered the richest source of the element since ancient times. You need to eat shrimp, squid, mussels, crustaceans and all types of fish. Moreover, seafood contains protein, potassium, nickel, vitamins A and D.

Unfortunately, seafood can be harmful. You should choose only fresh food, expired can cause poisoning.

There is copper in meat. All types of meat and poultry must be consumed. Pork contains 97 mcg of copper, the highest. The by-products are also fortified with metal.

Daily requirement and rate of copper content in the body

Copper has benefits and harms to human health. Unfortunately, the human body does not synthesize metal on its own, so it is necessary to replenish stocks. The daily requirement and maintenance rate differ depending on some factors:

• floor;
• age;
• individual characteristics.

For adults

The adult body contains about 140-160 mg of copper. This figure may vary depending on the individual.

To maintain a normal level of vital activity, you should consume from 2 to 3 mg of the element per day. Half of this amount is needed for the skeletal system and muscles, about 12% for the liver.

Research in this area suggests that most adults do not consume enough copper. Most often, a person eats a little more than 1 mg per day.

For children

For children, the content rate directly depends on age:

1. From 1 to 3 years - no more than 1 mg.
2. From 4 to 6 years old - 1.5 mg.
3. From 7 to 13 years old - 2 mg.
4. Up to 18 years old - up to 2.5 mg.

Do not give your child too many products containing this metal, it can cause poisoning.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman needs more trace elements, vitamins and nutrients. The female body works for two. The beneficial properties of copper make it an extremely important element during pregnancy. The need for it is growing. The benefits of copper for a woman's body are enormous.

A pregnant woman should consume up to 2.5 mg of copper per day.

The content in the body differs in each trimester. In the first trimester, it is 110-200 mg, in the second 160-225 mg, in the third 131-245 mg.

Causes and symptoms of copper deficiency in the body

In order not to face a lack of copper, it is enough for a person to eat 100-120 grams of meat per day, a small amount of cereals and fruits. However, many still suffer from a copper deficiency in the body, the most common reasons include:

1. Hereditary predisposition. There are genetic diseases in which people suffer from enzyme deficiency, which leads to a reduced content of the element.
2. Poor food. Very often, especially in adolescence, people prefer unhealthy foods. The diet includes sweets, chips, soda, etc.
3. In babies, a deficiency of a useful element occurs when complementary foods are introduced too early or improper feeding. When breastfeeding, the baby gets everything it needs from milk. The mixture does not contain enough useful elements. In addition, it may be of poor quality. Attempts to feed the child with "adult food" also provoke the development of metal deficiency.
4. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the normal absorption of the element is disrupted.
5. Diseases of the liver and kidneys.
6. Improper nutrition due to diets. A healthy lifestyle is very popular, but many people follow the "pseudo rules" of healthy eating and do not get enough metal.

The main symptoms of a deficiency include:

• weakness and fatigue;
• hair loss or graying;
• headaches or dizziness;
• frequent colds and infectious diseases.

Symptoms and effects of excess copper in the body

Excess metal in the body can occur for several reasons: metabolic disorders, poisoning with metal vapors, drug overdose. The most common reason is eating too many foods containing the element.

The main symptoms of excess:

• nausea, vomiting;
• abdominal cramps or diarrhea;
• metal taste in the mouth;
• neurological disorders;
• increased body temperature;
• bouts of thirst;
• chills.

If symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. The consequences can be really dangerous and harm the body. List of consequences:

• speech disorders;
• psychosis;
• atherosclerosis;
• diabetes;
• Alzheimer's disease.

Preparations containing copper

Do not self-medicate and try to fill the copper deficit yourself. The use of any medication must be agreed with your doctor. The list of drugs that a specialist can offer is huge:

• Bio-copper;
• Cupratin;
• Zincteral;
• Cupral;
• Zincteral-Teva;
• Complivit;
• TsiMed;
• Totem.

Interaction of copper with other substances

The assimilation of copper reduces: cadmium, iron, manganese, antacids, tannins. Zinc, iron, cobalt, on the contrary, increase absorption.

Copper can inhibit iron absorption. A large amount of fructose negatively affects the absorption of this element. Eating large amounts of vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C or preparations can cause a metal deficiency.

The benefits and harms of copper dishes

Copper cookware has a high thermal conductivity and cooks food faster. At the same time, taste does not deteriorate, but, on the contrary, improves. Some jams or sauces are recommended to be cooked in dishes made of this metal.

By reducing the cooking time, the product retains the maximum useful properties. That is why copper dishes are beneficial to the body. Another useful property is antibacterial action.

On the other hand, such dishes are harmful to health:

• under the influence of copper, ascorbic acid is destroyed;
• when stored in this container, oxidation occurs;
• under improper conditions, it becomes covered with a green coating and produces harmful substances.

The benefits of copper water

This is water infused in a copper pot. This medicine has been used since ancient times, it is used in Ayurveda. Copper water can be beneficial when used properly. It is better to infuse the medicine for no more than 12 hours. After preparation, drink 1 glass on an empty stomach. Used by:

• with problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• with diseases of the liver and kidneys;
• to slow down the aging process;
• with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• with problems with the nervous system and brain;
• with anemia;
• with inflammation of the joints.

Harm of copper and contraindications

While copper has many beneficial properties, it can do serious harm. Excess causes various diseases, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, provokes the development of epilepsy, destroys cells, slows down growth processes, and raises cholesterol levels. Metal treatment is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of copper have been proven. It is vital for the body and brings tremendous health benefits. Its use should be standardized. It is especially important to eat enough foods fortified with this metal during pregnancy and copper deficiency.