Copper
Benefits of Copper
- Nervous system
- Immune system
- Hair and skin pigmentation
- Energy-yielding metabolism
- Connective tissues
- Form: Bisglycinate
- Food sources: Nuts (especially cashews), seeds (including sesame and sunflower), lentils, chickpeas, wholegrains, mushrooms and dark chocolate.
What is Copper?
Copper is an essential nutrient our body needs but doesn't make, so we need to get it from our diet. It has a wide range of roles, from the nervous and immune systems to the natural colour of our hair.
What does Copper do?
Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It is also important in the brain, where it is required for cellular respiration and the making of neurotransmitters, and researchers have studied the metabolism and functions of copper in the brain. Copper contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, and research has looked at copper status and white blood cells. Copper and zinc work closely together in the body.
Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation and normal skin pigmentation. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our hair its colour, and copper is involved in the production of melanin. Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues, and copper works with zinc in the formation of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and gives your skin its structure. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. Copper also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
You may also enjoy reading 'The truth about collagen' and '5 key nutrients for healthy hair'.
Folate
Folate is required in the synthesis of DNA and the replication of new cells. It is needed in during pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the foetus.
L-Glycine
L-Glycine is an amino acid that has a calming and regenerative effect, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing feelings of tiredness during the day.
Selenium
Selenium is an important mineral for the immune system. It also helps maintain healthy hair and nails and is necessary for the use of Iodine in thyroid hormone function.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 contributes to energy production. It helps convert the food that we eat into energy that we use throughout our day.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for the normal functioning of our immune system, and for the health of our hair and skin. Infections, hair loss and white marks on nails are among the signs of a deficiency.
Bifidobacterium Lactis
Bifidobacterium digests the fibre you consume in your diet and helps to produce other vital nutrients and vitamins in your body.
Biotin
Biotin, which is abundant in legumes, is a B Vitamin that helps the body make use of the energy from food, helping break down carbohydrates into energy.
