DESCRIPTION:
Copper is an essential trace element for our body which must be supplied every day by our food since it is not synthesized by our body.
ROLES:
Copper has multiple benefits for our body such as:
- Antibacterial and antiviral effects. It therefore helps to take it for colds and flu-like illnesses.
- An anti-anaemic effect by promoting the absorption of iron, one of the constituents of haemoglobin in red blood cells,
- The production of melanin (the skin's natural pigment, responsible for its colouring), since it is one of the essential cofactors for this synthesis reaction,
- An antioxidant role by preventing the formation of free radicals thus combatting ageing in all of the body's cells,
- It is a cofactor for several enzymes that are part of different metabolic processes (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins),
- It strengthens the immune system by enabling production of the antibodies that combat pathogens,
- A role in bone mineralisation and helping to maintain cartilage.
SOURCES:
Copper is found mainly in animals' livers and in spirulina, mushrooms, dark chocolate (cocoa being rich in copper), snails, cashews, coffee and oysters.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION : DEFICIENCIES AND EXCESSES
The recommended daily intake of copper for men is 1.3 mg and 1 mg for women. The upper safe limit (limit where no health risk has been recorded) is 5 mg.
Copper deficiency is very rare if you have a balanced diet because this compound is in a lot of different foods. However, some people such as premature infants or people with digestive illnesses may be at higher risk of developing a deficiency of this mineral.
Be careful because consuming too much iron, zinc, vitamin C or alcohol can decrease the intestinal absorption of copper.
You should not exceed 5 mg of copper per day also, otherwise you may experience liver issues.
INGREDIENTS IN :