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Copper Diet Food

Copper is an important part of any diet. Many people do not have enough copper in their bodies, while others have too much copper. The average person should consume between 1.5 and 3 mg of copper every day. Copper is a "trace" element, which means that it is needed for proper growth. The organs in the human body with the most copper are the liver and kidneys. The brain, heart and bones also contain copper.

  1. The Function of Copper in the Body

    • Copper is necessary because it helps to absorb much of the iron that is in the human body. Copper also helps the body to use the iron correctly. There are other enzymes as well that need copper in order to properly function. Copper helps to strengthen and maintain bone formation as well as assist in forming red blood cells. According to copperinfo.com, scientists are still researching the importance of copper in the body.

    Foods that Contain Copper

    • There are around 235 sources of copper that humans can ingest. Foods such as peanuts and dried beans contain a significant amount of copper. Depending on where you get your water, the water that you drink may also contain copper. Vegetables, chocolate and certain varieties of seeds and nuts also contain a large amount of copper. If you want to take in less copper, stick to eating dairy-related products. For example, skim milk, jam, tuna and yogurt are very low in copper.

    Not Enough Copper

    • If you do not have enough copper in your diet, several problems may arise. Since copper is essential to the absorption of iron, too little copper in the body can lead to osteoporosis over time. If a pregnant woman does not have enough copper in her system, this can cause her baby to be born with osteoporosis. Copper is also needed for babies to develop properly. Other issues that can arise from a lack of copper are low white blood cell count, muscle spasms and trouble walking.

    Too Much Copper

    • Too much copper in your body can lead to many problems. If for some reason you take more than 10 mg of copper each day, this can damage your liver. Too much copper can also cause the kidneys and liver to malfunction, which in turn can cause coma or even death. People who suffer from Wilson's disease have a condition where copper can build up in their bodies. This is a serious condition. If you have Wilson's disease, foods with copper in them need to be avoided. Also, if you have diabetes, too much copper can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar level.

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