Copper is a trace mineral, meaning it is needed in a very small quantity. Its primary role is to help form hemoglobin and collagen in the body.

A deficiency in copper results in poorly formed red blood cells, known as anemia. It also is an antioxidant, helping with the elimination of free radicals.

Copper deficiency symptoms can include increased parasitic infections, weakness from anemia and leaky gut.

Copper must stay in balance with zinc and iron in the body as well and if you consume too much of one it can throw the others out of balance.

The RDA for copper is 900 mcg/day. The Daily Value is 2 mg.

Top 10 Copper Rich Foods List

Sunflower seeds

¼ cup: 0.63 mg (31% DV)

Lentils

1 cup: 0.5mg (25% DV)

Almonds

¼ cup: 0.4 mg (20% DV)

Dried apricots

1 cup: 0.69mg (34% DV)

Dark chocolate

1 square: 0.9 mg (45% DV)

Blackstrap molasses

2 tsp: 0.28 mg (14% DV)

Asparagus

1 cup: 0.25 (12% DV)

Mushrooms

1 cup: 0.43 mg (20% DV)

Turnip greens

1 cup, cooked: 0.36 (18% DV)

More

Soy beans, Brazil nuts, raisins, legumes,

Copper Health Benefits

Brain Health

High Copper foods stimulate higher-level thought processes and mental functioning. It has been called a “brain food” because it helps enable certain neural pathways that promote out of the box thinking. A lack of copper during growth may result in incomplete brain and nerve development.

Slows Aging

Copper is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against free radical damage. It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and even macular-degeneration.

Energy Maintenance

Copper plays a role in the synthesis of ATP, the primary molecule of energy storage in our bodies. Without adequate copper, the mitochondria (the cell’s energy producer) are unable to adequately produce ATP, leaving us feeling lethargic and tired. Also, copper helps us utilize iron properly, which helps reduce anemia that can also affect energy levels.

DV is (Daily Value)