The Amazing Benefits of Copper – A Natural Antibiotic
Have you heard about the benefits of copper? You won’t see much about it in the media despite the fact that it is the third most common mineral in our bodies. Experts estimate that as much as a quarter of the population is copper deficient.1
Copper Benefits Happening Right Now In Your Body
Copper performs many valuable functions in the human body. Without it, systems begin to break down, causing a ripple effect throughout every cell. Your body doesn’t make copper so you must get it from outside sources.2
Functions of Copper in Your Body
- Aids in the efficient absorption and distribution of iron
- Ensures proper growth of tissues
- Improves energy levels
- Gives pigmentation to eyes, hair, skin, and protects against graying hair
- Naturally anti-inflammatory
- Minimizes the effects of arthritis
- Has a direct impact on more than 50 enzyme functions
- Promotes wound healing
- Strengthens bone and muscle
- Regulates heart rate
- Protects the central nervous system
- Stimulates the production of elastin to promote younger looking skin
- Improves the production of white blood cells
- Strengthens the myelin sheath that surrounds your nerves
People with copper pipes may be getting too much and should consider the use of a reverse osmosis filter or simply allowing the water to run for 15 seconds if it’s been sitting overnight.
Most others are probably not getting enough copper
Signs you may not be getting enough copper include…..
- Anemia
- Low tolerance for cold and low body temperature
- Bone weakness or osteoporosis
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Inadequate resistance to infection or sickness
- Irregular heartbeat
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic or thyroid dysfunction
- Birth defects or stunted growth
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin conditions such as sores, bleeding, or dermatitis
- Hair loss
Too much consumption of the typical “American Diet” rapidly lead to copper deficiency. Limiting your intake of refined sugars, grains, processed foods, conventional dairy products, and commercially raised meats will help.
Adding the following foods to your eating plan will give you the benefits of copper and help your entire body!
Excellent Food Sources of Copper
- Sesame seeds
- Seafood
- Cashews and almonds
- Blackstrap molasses
- Greens (beet, turnip, or mustard)
- Beans
- Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale
- Asparagus
- Summer squash
Throughout history, copper has been used in the production of coins, cookware, and storage.
In our modern world, it is primarily found in electrical applications, car engines, and plumbing fixtures.
As stronger and prettier materials are manufactured that increase our convenience, everyday copper use in the home has declined. New research may provide critical reasons to bring back the benefits of copper, an ancient metal with modern applications.
Using Copper to Fight Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs)
A new study from the American Society for Microbiology found that a dry copper surface is naturally antimicrobial.
The findings were published in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal and detailed how copper actually killed otherwise resistant bacteria – such as Deinococcus radiodurans – on contact without danger to humans.
This particular bacteria is even resistant to radiation so the “copper solution” is an important one.
Gregor Grass, author of the study from the University of Nebraska, explained the fascinating results. “When microbes were exposed to copper surfaces, we observed contact killing to take place at the rate of tens to hundreds of millions of bacterial cells within minutes. Metallic copper surfaces will never be able to replace other hygiene-improving methods already in effect [but they] will certainly curb human disease as well as save lives.”3
Annually, hospital-acquired infections claim as many as 100,000 lives in the United States.
Available Applications in the Home
If you want to enjoy the naturally antimicrobial benefits of copper in your home, consider installing copper surfaces for areas that are touched often, use copper cookware, add a copper kitchen sink for beauty and function, or even add a copper soaking tub to your bathroom.4
When these surfaces dry, no bacteria currently known will be able to live on it. Increasing your intake of copper-rich foods will protect your body on the inside and using copper surfaces to limit bacteria is a two-pronged use of this incredible and essential mineral.
It’s also timeless and will add a lovely ambiance to any room!
References:
1 Healthline: 9 Signs and Symptoms of Copper Deficiency
2 Medical News Today: Health benefits and risks of copper
3 Science Daily: Dry copper kills bacteria on contact
4 NCBI: Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface
