Copper benefits on skin; copper is the nutrient that boosts collagen production, it even comes before vitamin C. Collagen, is the protein that the body produces, and it helps with anti-aging (preventing fine lines and wrinkles). Copper is the trace mineral that is needed (in small amounts) for the healthy function of the body.
Copper is a trace mineral essential for a healthy functioning body; it helps making red blood cells and keep brain functions and the immune system healthy. Moreover, copper on skin, helps with the collagen production which is beneficial for anti-aging properties. It also has antioxidant effects.
However, the dosage is very important. This is also why copper supplements are rarely advised. Too much copper can lead to issues to the brain, the same goes with too little copper. Copper deficiency can also lead to some heart disease.
This is why, it is important to dose it well and prefer natural source of copper from foods compared to supplements (unless it is advised by your doctor).
I. Copper History
II. Health Benefits of Copper
III: Copper Benefits on Skin
IV. Copper food source
V. Copper Supplements
VI. Copper deficiency
VII. Toxicity of Copper
VIII. Copper Peptides
IX. Drinking water from copper cups
I. Copper History
– The copper element is known to be used even in prehistoric times, according to archaeologic research it is used for more than 11.000 years.
– The ancient Egyptians are also known to use copper to make items (Such as vessels and utensils) to sterilize their drinking water. It was also used to help with skin conditions.
– Hippocrates (460 to 380 B.C, known as “the Father of Medicine”) have used copper to treat some disease thanks to its natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Copper was accessible for Greeks because it was easily available in the island of Kyprus (Cyprus, where the latin name of copper derived from; cuprum to copper),
-Copper was also used by the Aztecs, the Indians and the Romans throughout history.
II. Health Benefits of Copper
-better immune system
– maintain a good cardiovascular health
– better bone health
– it may help prevent arthritis
– Antioxidant benefits, helps keeping a healthy DNA and preventing cancer
-prevents brain disorders
III. Copper benefits on skin
– Copper has powerful ANTI AGING BENEFITS on skin :
1) anti oxidant properties
– According to this study, copper may have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants fight with “free radicals” (by helping to prevent their production) thus preventing skin from premature aging signs (such as fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots).
2) Collagen production
– According to this study, the availability of copper helps significantly to the synthesis of elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen are proteins in skin which work together. They are the essential proteins for a healthier and younger looking skin. The presence of collagen and elastin both help to prevent formation of fine lines and wrinkles
IV. Copper food source
Foods that are high in copper:
-organ meats: kidney, liver
-oysters
-shelfish
-shiitake mushrooms
-potatoes
-beans
-sesame seeds
-nuts: almonds, cashews
-some dried fruits (dried figs, dried pears, dried peaches, dried apricots…)
-cocoa
-some spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (mace spice), black pepper, poppy seed, celery seed
-some herbal tea (green tea)
-yeast
-spirulina
-whole grains
V. Copper Suplements
It is best to take copper mineral from foods. The dosage is very important. This is also why copper supplements are rarely advised (you can easily get too much of it, adding the amount of copper you get from food to the one you get from supplements). They are usually not necessary, and these supplements can lead to imbalances. Too much copper can lead to issues to the brain, the same goes with too little copper. Copper deficiency can also lead to some heart disease.
Attention: Take copper supplements only if it advised by your doctor!
Otherwise, focus on getting your copper mineral from natural sources present in some foods. Plus, the nutrients present in food naturally work better together in our bodies by making more significant effects compared to taking supplements solely.
However, only few people are deficient in copper in the U.S.
VI. Copper deficiency
What can cause copper deficiency?
– An overdose of Zinc supplements can cause to copper deficiency
– An overdose of Vitamin C supplements can cause to copper deficiency
– Overdoses of Vitamin C and or Zinc can lead to copper deficiency by competing with copper for absorption in your intestines. (Overdose of copper can also lead to Zinc deficiency).
– Absorption problems can also cause copper deficiency
– Some other rare conditions can also cause copper deficiency.
For infants:
-copper deficiency has also been seen in infants consuming cow’s milk since it is low in copper.
What are the signs of copper deficiency?
These symptoms can be caused by copper deficiency:
– increase in skin infections
– anemia (copper contributes of the production red blood cells)
-thyroid issues
-irregular heartbeat
– low body temperature
– low white blood cell count
– bone fractures
– Lordosis
– loss of skin pigmentation
– depigmentation of the hair (the hair can grey prematurely if you lack copper)
– osteoporosis
VII. Toxicity of Copper
Overdose of copper can be harmful to your health. It can lead to brain issues. However, copper toxicity and copper deficiency are rarely seen in the U.S.
Copper taken from normal dietary consumption is safer, because as known, it was not reported to cause any toxicity (when taken from foods).
Copper toxicity is generally caused by:
-overdose of its supplements,
– exposure to chemicals containing high doses of copper,
– overuse of copper cooking materials
-drinking water from high level of copper (like well water which can also have other dangerous chemicals in it such as arsenic, or water stored in copper pipes)
Overdose of Copper can lead to:
-nausea, stomach pain, vomiting
– heart disease
– Alzheimer diseases
– body weakness
– metallic taste in the mouth
– headaches
– Lordosis (excess lower back curve, copper helps your body to have the structural stability to hold things together)
*Copper supplements can also interact with some other medicines. It is preferable to not take copper supplements and take it from natural dietary sources. However, if needed ask your doctor and the medicines it can interfere with.
VIII. Copper Peptides
Copper peptides similar to the benefits of its intake, when applied to the skin it promotes elastin and collagen production, thus leading to a youthful looking skin.
! Patch test before use, in case of any allergic reaction. Introduce any new product to your skin gradually and by patch testing from hours before.
IX. Drinking water from copper cups
Drinking water from copper cups can also help improve your skin and has anti-aging effects while having many other health benefits.
Attention! No more than 3 cups daily.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
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