Copper

Submitted by Barbara on Tue, 11/11/2008 - 06:53
Note: 

- found in body tissue

- stored in the liver

 

Function: 

- protein matabolism

- transfer of iron

- production of collagen

- formation of elastin

- helps keep blood vessels flexible for good circulation

- involved in the healing process

- energy production

- feather color

- taste sensitivity

- required for the bone, blood vessel, hemoglobin (a portion of the blood that carries oxygen), RBC (red blood cell), healthy nerves, joint skin, immune system health

- aids in the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into a dark pigment (melanin) that colors the skin and feathers

- involved in protein metabolism

Deficiency: 

- anemia

- weakness

- artery wall damage

- baldness

- joint dysfunction and pain

- diarrhea

- hypothyroidism

- elevated blood cholesterol

- immune system disorders

- involved with increased bone fragility

- impaired feather pigmentation / hypopigmentation

- decreased egg production and shell abnormalities (large eggs, thin shelled, wrinkled eggs

Excess: 

- excessive copper levels to roughening and thickening of koiline

- anemia

- renal necrosis

- if copper intake is too high, the levels of vitamin C & zinc will drop

- Humans: Copper is nontoxic in humans in small amounts, however the biochemical makeup of some people makes them prone to copper accumulation. One of those conditions occurs with Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder that results from abnormal copper metabolism, which brings about excess retention in the liver, brain, kidney and corneas of the eye.

- jaundice

Notes: 

- Blue-green stains in bathtub, toilet or sink (suggestive of elevated copper content of water) www.ionizers.org/shower-risks.html


- if your cookware is copper, may leach into food while being cooked or boiled


- copper levels in the body are reduced if high amounts of zinc or vitamin C are taken


- aids in formation of bone, hemoglobin, red blood cells and works in balance with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin