COPPER CONSUMPTION

Because of its many applications and manifestations, it is hard to imagine the biological or medicinal role of something like copper. However, it is indeed another metal element that is essential to animal and plant life. With atomic number 29 and the symbol Cu from the Latin cuprum, copper rose to prominence in Cyprus where the metal was mined during the days of the Roman Empire. Whether in its pure or industrialized form, copper is known for its thermal and electrical conductivity as well as its unique color shine. It combines with zinc to help make the brass and bronze that go into everything from musical instruments to jewelry to germicidal doorknobs. But, don't let the biological benefits of this diverse metal element be overshadowed by its bountiful utility.

Actually, humans already contain copper at the level of approximately 1.4 to 2.1 mg for each kg of body weight. The bones and muscles all benefit from the distribution of copper in the bloodstream thanks to a plasma protein known as ceruloplasmin. The liver gets its supply of copper bound to albumin when the nutrient is absorbed in the digestive tract and then metabolized and excreted along with toxins in the bile.

Copper deficiency can lead to symptoms of anemia and chronic copper depletion gets real nasty. There are metabolic consequences and risk of poor dopamine synthesis, which of course, causes depression.

It is fairly easy to consume a good amount of copper in foods such as lobster, oysters, steak, pepper, cocoa, several nuts and sunflower seeds. Of course, strict vegetarians may elect to get their daily 1 mg through supplements or safe copper compounds such as copper sulfate. Or, combine regiments accordingly. Milk and eggs tend to block absorption and are bad gastronomical accompaniments to the foods mentioned above.

This doesn't mean it's a great idea to go sauté a steak or steam milk in copper cookware. As always, an excess of this nutrient can lead to other complications such as Wilson's disease. So, remember what the Greeks always said –everything in moderation. After all, copper was first put to heavy use in that part of the world anyway.

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