Mineral Copper

There are 16 essential minerals that the body needs and they are broken into two types: macro and trace. Minerals are inorganic substances (meaning they contain no carbon) that are required for normal cell function, growth and development. Macrominerals are needed by the body in large doses. Trace minerals are only needed by the body in small quantities.

COPPER

  • Trace mineral

Best plant food sources

  • Vegetables: avocados, beets, garlic, prunes, mushrooms, raisins

  • Grains: barley, oats, wheat bran cereal, whole grains

  • Legumes: legumes, lentils, tempeh

  • Nuts/seeds: almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds

  • Other: blackstrap molasses, drinking water through copper pipes, semi-sweet chocolate

Function in the body

  • Part of many enzymes

  • Aids in iron metabolism

  • Creates red blood cells

  • Supports immune system

  • Needed for energy metabolism

  • Supports nervous system

  • Supports thyroid

  • Stimulates the brain

  • Needed for connective tissue synthesis

  • Antioxidant

Symptoms of deficiency

  • Anemia – low white blood count

  • Impaired respiration

  • Bone deterioration

  • Low body temperature