Health Benefits

Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells.

It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function and contributes to iron absorption.

Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.

Also Read: 10 different types of wrenches

Cardiovascular Health

Low copper levels have been linked to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. One group of researchers has suggested that some patients with heart failure may benefit from copper supplements.

Animal studies have linked low copper levels to CVD, but it remains unclear if a deficiency would have the same impact on humans.

Also Read: types of copper pipes

Neuron Signalling

In 2016, Prof. Chris Chang, a chemist who is part of the Sackler Sabbatical Exchange Program at Berkeley, CA, devised and used a fluorescent probe to track the movement of copper in and out of nerve cells.

Prof. Chang says: “Copper is like a brake or dimmer switch, one for each nerve cell.”

His team found that if high amounts of copper enter a cell, this appears to reduce neuron signaling. When copper levels in that cell fall, signaling resumes.

Also Read: how to repair copper pipe

Osteoporosis

Severe copper deficiency is associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis.

More research is needed on how marginal copper deficiency may affect bone health and how copper supplementation might help prevent and manage osteoporosis.

Also Read: carbon steel vs stainless steel pipe

Collagen Production

Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, major structural components of our bodies. Scientists have hypothesized that trusted Source copper may have antioxidant properties and that, together with other antioxidants, a healthful intake may help prevent skin aging.

Without sufficient copper, the body cannot replace damaged connective tissue or the collagen that makes up the scaffolding for bone.

Also Read: how to fix a hole in a metal water pipe