If you suffer from dilated veins, brittle bones, elevated cholesterol, or have low resistance to infections, then you may have a copper deficiency. As one of the essential minerals, copper is vital for supporting your body. Copper is present in all the cells of your body. As an essential mineral, you need to obtain copper from the foods you eat or from a dietary supplement. Copper supports a number of different functions. Copper is vital for: 1. Supporting the brain and nervous system 2. Encouraging the absorption and usage of iron 3. Supporting various enzymatic reactions 4. Promoting connective tissue health 5. Supporting healthy hair and eyes 6. Preventing premature aging 7. Encouraging healthy energy production 8. Reducing the symptoms of arthritis 9. Regulating healthy cholesterol levels 10. Ensuring sufficient red blood cell formation Supporting the Brain and Nervous System Copper supports the formation of neurotransmitters, and it is vital for the production of the myelin sheath of nerve cells. The brain and nervous system need copper to be able to form the cuproenzymes that are vital for healthy brain and central nervous function. Encouraging the Absorption and Usage of Iron Copper helps your body to absorb and use iron. Copper also helps organs that store iron to release the iron into the body for use. You need copper to transform ferrous iron into ferric iron. The body can only transport ferric iron to where red blood cells are formed. Supporting Various Enzymatic Reactions Copper is an ingredient in over 50 different enzymatic reactions in the body. Your body relies on enzymes to support and encourage a healthy metabolic rate. Without enzymes, reaction rates slow down, metabolic rates slow down, and it becomes impossible to maintain health. Promoting Connective Tissue Health Copper plays a role in the formation of collagen and elastin. These compounds are essential for maintaining the health of your connective tissue. Eye Health and Skin health The skin and eyes require a pigment called melanin. Melanin is a vital pigment that occurs in the skin and eyes, and it is responsible for giving these structures their color. The function of melanin is not only superficial, but protects these structures from being damaged by UV radiation. Melanin absorbs damaging rays and distributes them in order to protect you from conditions like sun damage and skin cancer. Copper Prevents Premature Aging Besides its role in the production of melanin, copper is also a vital antioxidant that helps to protect the body from free radical damage. Free radical damage results in damage to cellular structures and to the cells, tissues, and muscles of the body. This damage can result in premature aging. Copper Supports Energy Production Your body produces energy from a molecule ATP. ATP is a molecule that can be stored and which the cells convert into energy when needed. Your body needs copper to produce the ATP molecule. Copper Regulates Inflammation Copper has been used for centuries to help reduce or alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Copper helps to regulate the inflammatory process, and it may reduce inflammation. Since inflammation is responsible for the symptoms of arthritis, copper is often used to help reduce the pain and discomfort of this disorder. Copper also supports the healing process of the body. Copper ensures that wounds heal quickly and efficiently, and this supports health and promotes a healthy inflammatory system. Copper Regulates Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol levels are the primary indicator for the increased risks of developing cardiovascular disease or for experiencing a cardiovascular event like a heart attack. There are two types of cholesterol, namely LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and HDL or “good” cholesterol. Copper has been found to help reduce levels of bad cholesterol and may therefore be beneficial for individuals who are struggling to maintain a healthy cholesterol balance in the body. Copper Supports Red Blood Cell Production Red blood cells comprise the nutrient transport system of the body. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and other nutrients to the rest of the body, and it is vital to ensure the body has healthy red blood cells for this purpose. Copper facilitates iron absorption and usage and plays an integral role in the formation of new red blood cells for the body on a daily basis. Copper Supplementation Copper levels in the body are affected by various factors, including your daily consumption of zinc, vitamin C, and iron. Although copper supplements are extremely beneficial for individuals who have low copper levels, too much copper can be unhealthy. Speak to your physician about your copper requirements before you start taking a copper supplement.