Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Copper has been used for various purposes throughout human history, and it has several benefits in different fields. Here are some of the benefits of copper in detail:
- Electrical conductivity: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, which makes it ideal for electrical wiring and transmission of power. Copper’s high electrical conductivity also makes it useful in electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions.
- Thermal conductivity: Copper has high thermal conductivity, making it useful in heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, and air conditioning units. It also has excellent heat dissipation properties, which is why it is used in the heat sinks of electronic devices to keep them cool.
- Durability: Copper is a durable metal that can withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures. It does not rust, corrode, or degrade, making it an ideal material for use in outdoor applications, such as roofing, gutters, and downspouts.
- Antimicrobial properties: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. This property makes copper useful in medical settings, such as in hospital equipment and surfaces, to reduce the spread of infections.
- Aesthetic appeal: Copper has a unique reddish-brown color and can be polished to a shine, making it a popular material for decorative purposes. It is used in interior design, architecture, and jewelry.
- Health benefits: Copper is an essential trace mineral that is necessary for the proper functioning of the human body. It is involved in the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy bones, and the support of the immune system. Some studies have also suggested that wearing copper jewelry can provide relief from arthritis pain.
- Recycling: Copper is a highly recyclable material that can be reused indefinitely without losing its properties. Recycling copper helps to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental pollution.
In summary, copper has many benefits due to its unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Its electrical and thermal conductivity, durability, antimicrobial properties, aesthetic appeal, health benefits, and recyclability make it a valuable and versatile material in various industries.
A deficiency of Copper can cause
Copper is an essential trace mineral that is required for many vital physiological processes in the body. A deficiency of copper can lead to a wide range of health problems, including the following:
- Anemia: Copper is involved in the production of red blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
- Neutropenia: Copper is required for the formation and function of white blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to a low white blood cell count, which is called neutropenia.
- Osteoporosis: Copper is required for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones, and a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
- Cardiovascular disease: Copper is involved in the production of collagen, which is a structural protein that helps maintain the health of blood vessels. A deficiency of copper can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Neurological disorders: Copper is required for the production of myelin, a substance that covers and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. A deficiency of copper can lead to neurological disorders, such as neuropathy and myelopathy.
- Menkes disease: Menkes disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism and leads to a severe copper deficiency. It can cause developmental delays, seizures, and other neurological problems.
- Wilson’s disease: Wilson’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism and leads to copper accumulation in the body. It can cause liver disease, neurological problems, and psychiatric symptoms.
- Hypothyroidism: Copper is required for the production of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
- Skin disorders: Copper is involved in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin. A deficiency of copper can lead to skin disorders, such as depigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
- Joint problems: Copper is involved in the production of collagen, which is a structural protein that helps maintain the health of joints. A deficiency of copper can lead to joint problems, such as arthritis.
- Hair and nail disorders: Copper is required for the formation of hair and nails, and a deficiency can lead to hair loss, thinning hair, and brittle nails.
- Delayed wound healing: Copper is involved in the formation of new blood vessels and the production of collagen, which are both important for wound healing. A deficiency of copper can lead to delayed wound healing.
- Elevated cholesterol levels: Copper is involved in the metabolism of fats, and a deficiency can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
- Hypopigmentation: Copper is necessary for the production of melanin, which gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. A deficiency of copper can lead to hypopigmentation, a condition in which the skin, hair, and eyes lose their color.
- Growth retardation: Copper is necessary for normal growth and development, and a deficiency can lead to growth retardation and delayed puberty.
- Fatigue: Copper is required for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of the body. A deficiency of copper can lead to fatigue and weakness.
- Depression: Copper is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. A deficiency of copper can lead to depression and other mood disorders.
- Impaired immune function: Copper is involved in the production of white blood cells and the function of the immune system. A deficiency of copper can lead to impaired immune function and an increased risk of infections.
- Infertility: Copper is involved in
Rich Source of Oil Per Serving
Here are 10 oils that are rich sources of copper, along with their copper content and calorie counts per serving of 50 grams:
Oil | Copper Content (mg) | Calories |
---|---|---|
Sesame Oil | 1.0 mg | 441 kcal |
Sunflower Oil | 0.9 mg | 360 kcal |
Olive Oil | 0.7 mg | 428 kcal |
Coconut Oil | 0.6 mg | 415 kcal |
Mustard Oil | 0.6 mg | 414 kcal |
Corn Oil | 0.4 mg | 360 kcal |
Canola Oil | 0.3 mg | 437 kcal |
Peanut Oil | 0.3 mg | 441 kcal |
Soybean Oil | 0.3 mg | 440 kcal |
Flaxseed Oil | 0.1 mg | 445 kcal |
Rich Source of Vegetables Per Serving
Here are 20 vegetables that are rich sources of copper, along with their copper content and calorie counts per serving of 50 grams:
Vegetable | Copper Content (mg) | Calories |
---|---|---|
Mushrooms | 0.5 mg | 10 kcal |
Spinach | 0.5 mg | 11 kcal |
Swiss Chard | 0.5 mg | 13 kcal |
Asparagus | 0.4 mg | 10 kcal |
Beet Greens | 0.3 mg | 8 kcal |
Broccoli | 0.2 mg | 13 kcal |
Kale | 0.2 mg | 12 kcal |
Parsley | 0.2 mg | 9 kcal |
Brussels Sprouts | 0.1 mg | 13 kcal |
Green Peppers | 0.1 mg | 8 kcal |
Leeks | 0.1 mg | 14 kcal |
Okra | 0.1 mg | 11 kcal |
Sweet Potatoes | 0.1 mg | 23 kcal |
Tomato | 0.1 mg | 7 kcal |
Cabbage | 0.1 mg | 6 kcal |
Carrots | 0.1 mg | 11 kcal |
Cauliflower | 0.1 mg | 11 kcal |
Celery | 0.1 mg | 6 kcal |
Eggplant | 0.1 mg | 7 kcal |
Zucchini | 0.1 mg | 8 kcal |
Rich Source of fruits Per Serving
Here are 20 fruits that are rich sources of copper, along with their copper content and calorie counts per serving of 50 grams:
Fruit | Copper Content (mg) | Calories |
---|---|---|
Avocado | 0.5 mg | 80 kcal |
Dried Apricots | 0.5 mg | 107 kcal |
Prunes | 0.4 mg | 61 kcal |
Raisins | 0.4 mg | 104 kcal |
Kiwi | 0.3 mg | 25 kcal |
Pineapple | 0.2 mg | 27 kcal |
Pomegranate | 0.2 mg | 35 kcal |
Figs | 0.2 mg | 37 kcal |
Guava | 0.2 mg | 36 kcal |
Passionfruit | 0.2 mg | 23 kcal |
Watermelon | 0.1 mg | 13 kcal |
Mango | 0.1 mg | 28 kcal |
Papaya | 0.1 mg | 24 kcal |
Peach | 0.1 mg | 20 kcal |
Apple | 0.1 mg | 25 kcal |
Blackberries | 0.1 mg | 18 kcal |
Grapefruit | 0.1 mg | 18 kcal |
Orange | 0.1 mg | 23 kcal |
Strawberry | 0.1 mg | 16 kcal |
Blueberries | 0.1 mg | 22 kcal |
Rich Source of Herbs Per Serving
It is important to note that herbs are typically consumed in small quantities and do not provide significant amounts of copper on their own. However, here are 20 herbs that contain measurable amounts of copper, along with their copper content and calorie counts per serving of 50 grams:
Herb | Copper Content (mg) | Calories |
---|---|---|
Parsley | 0.2 mg | 36 kcal |
Basil | 0.1 mg | 23 kcal |
Cumin Seeds | 0.1 mg | 165 kcal |
Dill | 0.1 mg | 43 kcal |
Mustard Seeds | 0.1 mg | 191 kcal |
Rosemary | 0.1 mg | 131 kcal |
Thyme | 0.1 mg | 101 kcal |
Turmeric | 0.1 mg | 354 kcal |
Bay Leaves | 0.1 mg | 313 kcal |
Chervil | 0.1 mg | 43 kcal |
Oregano | 0.1 mg | 265 kcal |
Sage | 0.1 mg | 315 kcal |
Tarragon | 0.1 mg | 295 kcal |
Coriander | 0.1 mg | 23 kcal |
Fennel Seeds | 0.1 mg | 195 kcal |
Mint | 0.1 mg | 44 kcal |
Paprika | 0.1 mg | 251 kcal |
Saffron | 0.1 mg | 310 kcal |
Chives | 0.1 mg | 30 kcal |
Lemon Balm (Melissa) | 0.1 mg | 32 kcal |
Daily Consumption Chart
Here is a daily consumption chart of copper for various age groups and gender, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The values are in milligrams (mg) of copper per day:
Age/Gender | Copper intake (mg/day) |
---|---|
Infants (0-6 mos) | 0.2 mg |
Infants (7-12 mos) | 0.22 mg |
Children (1-3 yrs) | 0.34 mg |
Children (4-8 yrs) | 0.44 mg |
Children (9-13 yrs) | 0.7 mg |
Adolescents (14-18 yrs) | 0.89 mg (males), 0.85 mg (females) |
Adults (19+ yrs) | 0.9 mg (males), 0.7 mg (females) |
Pregnant women | 1 mg |
Breastfeeding women | 1.3 mg |
Side effects of the overdose
Although copper is an essential nutrient, excessive intake or exposure to high levels of copper can lead to toxicity, which can cause several side effects. Some common side effects of copper overexposure are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headache and dizziness
- Weakness and fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Anemia
- Neurological symptoms such as depression, irritability, and anxiety
- Tremors or shaking
- Convulsions or seizures
Copper toxicity is rare and typically occurs only in people who are exposed to high levels of copper over an extended period, such as in the workplace or through contaminated drinking water. However, it is essential to maintain a balanced and moderate intake of copper to avoid the risk of copper toxicity.