What Does Copper Do For the Body
Either you’re looking for information on copper for a project or you’re trying to figure out what copper does for the body. If you’re working on a project—sorry to inform you we can’t help you there. We build bodies, not contemporary copper pendant lights for an outdoor setting, my friend.
Although that does sound nice.
BACK TO BUSINESS!
If you want to get your brain buff on some wicked awesome info on copper, the essential mineral—you came to the right place, my friend.
Copper, copper, copper.
What is it? It’s an essential mineral that is required to make collagen, absorb iron and make energy.
Sounds perty important, right?
Yes it is.
Copper is necessary for the body to grow normally. Most importantly, copper works with iron to form red blood cells.
Copper and Red Blood Cells
Found mostly in the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and muscle, copper proteins play key roles in oxygen transport. Copper forms red blood cells which are the oxygen ubers of the body. Red blood cells deliver oxygen when needed, which is needed more when training.
Oxygen doesn’t just fuel your muscles and keep your lungs relevant—it gives you energy. Diminished oxygen equals sluggish performance.
Copper and Metabolic Function
Because copper is involved in so many enzymatic processes, it is necessary for many important things, like metabolic enzymatic reaction. For instance, it is needed to metabolize glucose to be used as energy. It is also needed to metabolize cholesterol.
Copper and Collagen
Copper plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction required to make collagen.
As it is formed, the reactions also link collagen with elastin. These are important factors in skin tightness, of course, but it’s also the most abundant protein in the body that is in our joints and bones as well as skin.
It’s a fibrous protein that is in our connective tissues, and as such we need it to keep our ligaments and skin healthy and to move our hot bodies.
Copper and the Immune System
As if oxygen and moving weren’t enough, copper also helps keep your immune system healthy through protecting against infections, aiding in recovery and healing and repairing tissue damage.
And get this, it also acts as an antioxidant. I know we talk a lot about them, but they are so important, especially to athletes.
During training oxidative stress is increased and free radicals are released. Free radicals cause all kinds of damage and disease. Antioxidants deactivate them so they can’t mess up your mojo.
So there you have it, copper is way more exciting than it seems, huh? To boot, your body can’t make it so you need to get it through diet or supplementation. Leafy greens are good sources, or a great multivitamin can help.
Don’t forget, copper isn’t the only thing your body need. Get muscle building BCAAs and amino acids and arm your body with the nutrients it needs to perform its best.
