Role of Copper in your body
Copper is quite an ironic molecule, despite being toxic to your cells, it is simultaneously vital as a co-factor to multiple enzymes and proteins. In this we see how Copper plays a vital role in our metabolic pathways and how we can incorporate it in our LifeStyle.
Speaking about currency, it was a practice in many cultures to drop coins into fountains for good luck. The practice was actually rooted in the diffusion of copper ions into the water which would circulate with the drinking supply. A more modern adaptation of this would be using copper bottles to store drinking water in.
The key enzymes it acts as a co-factor for are:
- Cytochrome C Oxidase: Electron Transport Chain.
- SuperOxide Dismutase: Cellular Detoxification, Conversion of oxygen radicals to diatomic form.
- Dopamine β-hydroxylase: Conversion of Dopamine to Noradrenaline and Adrenaline
- Tyrosinase: Melanin Production(skin and hair pigment)
- Lysyl Oxidase: Cross Linking of Colllagen.
- Ceruloplasmin: Copper Transport and Iron metabolism.
This just shows you how vital Copper as an elemnt is for our body, and why civilizations have cvalued its use directly and indirectly. One of the easiest ways to get Copper is leaving it overnight in a copper bottle and consuming the water in the morning. This is an easy way to ensure you get your daily required Copper to keep the inflammation down and upregulate cellular detoxification. You could also use copper vessels in case you prefer that over drinking out of a bottle.
Besides these ways, the best source of bioavailable Copper is directly from foods. Here are a few that will help you complete your daily requirements.
- Liver
- Spirullina
- Oysters
- Shiitake Mushrooms
- Nuts and Seeds
- Lobster
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, Kale and Swiss Chard
As with all things, overdoing it could also be harmful. Hence, we would advise you not to consume exorbitent amounts of Copper as there are chances of inducing Copper Toxicity.
