Copper for a healthy body

One mineral that many individuals do not pay that much attention to is copper. Copper is an essential part of the diet and helps to form the red haemoglobin that is seen in the blood. This haemoglobin is essential in order to transport oxygen around your body to the various tissues that require it.

Copper also plays a role in the formation of collagen tissue, which includes the fibrous protein that is found in bone, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissue throughout the body.

The general recommendation for copper intake is set at 0.9 mg per day, for both men and women. It is especially important for pregnant women to ensure they are meeting their needs because if they aren't, it can have a big impact on the health of their newborn.

Additionally, if you are not taking in enough of this mineral in your diet, you could also be at a greater risk for the development of high cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease, as deficiencies are associated with this.

Luckily, as long as you eat a varied diet, however, it is not all that hard to meet your needs. This mineral is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, along with grains, dried beans, nuts, meats, seafood, and in some drinking water.

So, while you don't require a great deal of this nutrient, it gives you yet another reason to ensure that you are eating a mixed, well-balanced diet on a regular basis.