Copper happens to be a trace mineral. Trace mineral means that our body doesn’t need it in very large quantities; however, even though it is required in quite a small quantity, that doesn’t make it any less important. Copper plays a very important role in forming collagen and hemoglobin in our bodies.
If you are deficient in copper, you are going to have badly formed red blood cells, that is, you would most probably be anemic. Besides, it also functions as an antioxidant, that is, it helps our body get rid of free radicals.
Some of the symptoms indicating that you may be deficient in copper include:
- parasitic infections
- weakness (because of anemia)
- leaky gut.
Since our body cannot synthesize this very important trace mineral on its own, we must source it from our diet. Since ancient times, people in India and many other parts of the world have used copper utensils and copper vessels like copper kettle, copper jug and other copper ware to store water and food, and that was and remains to be an important source of getting copper in our systems. These days, we even have something called copper coffee maker. Some other foods that are rich in copper include:
- Kale :- Kale is just not rich in copper but healthy by all means. Steamed kale may work best to provide you with the maximum copper content.
- Sesame seeds:-Sesame seeds are also quite rich in copper as are flax-seeds, pumpkin seeds and even watermelon seeds.
- Nuts:-Cashew nuts are richest in copper; however some other nuts including walnuts, Brazil nuts, Almonds, Pine nuts, Hazelnuts are also quite rich in this important trace mineral.
- Beans:-Cooked chickpeas are excellent source of copper and other beans rich in copper include Adzuki beans, kidney and white beans.
Dried Fruits:-Prunes are the richest followed by Apricots, currants, raisins and figs.
Some other good sources of copper include fermented soy products, Avocados and Goat cheese.
If you are careful about getting a balanced diet, you usually would be getting all necessary nutrients, but it is always important to check for various symptoms that may be indicating some kind of deficiency.
Remember, copper is a very important trace mineral and if you are not sure of getting enough from your diet, start using copper utensils, Copper ware, copper vessels, copper kettle, copper jug or even copper coffee maker. You can’t go wrong with having copper kitchen utensils at your home.
Copper Utensils Online 