9 reasons to make sure that there’s copper in your diet
Why do we need Copper?
Copper has a number of important roles. These include:-
- supporting enzyme activity
- iron metabolism
- defending against infection
- to produce red and white blood cells
- to trigger the release of iron to form haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body
- supporting infant growth,
- aiding brain development
- helping the immune system and
- bone strength
Where can we get Copper from?
Copper can be sourced from wholegrain foods, cereal products, potatoes, green vegetables, wheatgerm, nuts, sesame seeds and cocoa.
How much Copper do we need?
Adults between 19 and 64 years of age need 1.2mg of copper per day.
What happens if we have too much Copper?
Taking a high amount of copper can cause stomach pain, sickness, diarrhoea, and if taken for a long time, it can damage the liver and kidneys
What does the Department of Health have to say about Copper?
"You should be able to get all the copper you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take copper supplements, don't take too much as this could be harmful.
Having 1mg or less a day of copper supplements is unlikely to cause any harm."
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