Copper is important for skin and brain health

Copper is a mineral considered essential for the body. It is a trace element, essential chemical element for living beings found in low concentration in organisms, but of fundamental biological importance.

The human body can not produce copper, it is obtained by means of food. Copper aids in the formation of some blood cells, hormones and antioxidant enzymes, also contributes to neurotransmitter synthesis, myelin sheath formation and regulation of gene expression. Copper also helps regulate the amount of iron in the body and the formation of connective tissue.

Proven benefits of copper

Good for the skin: Copper is good for the skin for a few reasons. It is important for the formation of melanin, which plays a role in the pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes, preventing, for example, the formation of skin patches, melasma.

Lysyl oxidase is a copper dependent enzyme by the crosslinking of collagen and elastin, which are essential for the formation of strong and flexible connective tissue. Finally, the antioxidant action that copper provides through the antioxidant enzymes will also contribute to a healthier and more beautiful skin.

Good for the brain: Many copper-dependent enzymes are responsible for a number of reactions essential for the normal function of the brain and nervous system. These copper-dependent enzymes are responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. In addition, the formation and maintenance of the protective myelin sheath covering the nerves is made of phospholipids whose synthesis depends on the activity of the copper-dependent enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. The strong antioxidant action that copper indirectly provides will also prevent degenerative brain diseases.

Good for immunity: Copper is essential for people to take good advantage of vitamin C. This vitamin increases the production of globules whites, cells that are part of the immune system and that have the function of combating microorganisms and structures extraneous to the body. Vitamin C also increases the levels of antibodies in the body. Thus, it helps strengthen the immune system, leaving our body less susceptible to disease. Copper is an essential mineral for antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and celuroplasmin, which prevent the action of the immune system. free radicals on lipid oxidation, decreasing the risk of heart disease, since oxidized fats can lead to clogging of arteries.

Furthermore, lysyl oxidase is a copper-dependent enzyme responsible for the crosslinking of collagen and elastin. The action of lysyl oxidase helps maintain connective tissue integrity in the heart and blood vessels and also plays a role in bone formation. Copper Deficiency

Copper deficiency in the body can cause problems such as blemishes in the body. skin, neutropenia (abnormally low numbers of white blood cells called neutrophils), osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Soya bean has good amounts of copper - Photo: Getty Images

It was found that animals consuming copper-deficient diets suddenly died of internal bleeding caused by defects structural strength of the arteries, since the concentration of collagen and elastin decreased significantly in this deficient group of copper. Thus, it was discovered that copper indirectly participates in the formation of elastin and collagen, since this mineral is important for the formation of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, responsible for the formation of collagen.There are several examinations that can be requested by a physician or nutritionist to identify iron deficiency, such as 24-hour urinary copper, total copper, plasma copper not bound to ceruloplasmin, free copper, hepatic copper, thereby verifying the actual need of the individual of this (

) Zinc:

High dietary zinc intake may increase the synthesis of a protein called intestinal metallothionein, which binds to copper and prevents intestinal absorption.

Brown sugar good amounts of copper - Photo: Getty Images

Vitamin C:

Research into animals has pointed out that vitamin C supplementation may decrease the amount of copper in the body. Medications:

Penicillamine increases excretion urinary copper, individuals who take the medication for purposes other than copper overload may have a higher nutritional requirement of the mineral. In addition, antacids may interfere with the absorption of copper when used in very high amounts.

Copper Sources Check the amount of copper present in the major sources of the mineral:

Source mg / 100g

Cocoa powder

4.40 mg

Recommended amount of copper

UL (mcg / day)

0-12 months

Not established

1-3 years

1000

4 - 8 years

Nutróloga Marcella Garcez, director of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN)

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