It was in the 1870s that copper was recognized as an integral part of the human blood. Though copper is a mineral, it is referred to as an element as it is a metal and is the third greatest metal existing in the human body. Copper serves many purposes in the human body and works well with other vitamins and minerals in maintaining your health.

With vitamin C, copper helps in the production of collagen and elastin which are connective tissues holding the body together. Copper not only helps in the healing of wounds, but also helps in blood clotting. Copper helps in the absorption of iron by the body and works with iron in the production of red blood cells, thereby playing an important part in the carrying of copper throughout the body.

Copper helps to make bones stronger by working with magnesium, vitamin D and C, phosphorus and calcium. It is with the help of copper that melanin gives the skin and hair its natural color. Copper also has a part in producing hormones from thyroid and thus determines how fast a person’s metabolism is when compared with one’s body weight.

In addition to all these roles, copper affects the functioning of the nervous system. It helps with the creation of the myelin sheath that protects nerves and thus ensures good communication with each other. Copper is necessary for the structure and functioning of connective tissues and nerves of the brain. It also contributes in the production of antioxidant enzymes in the body. This in turn helps in the control of free radicals.

Copper has an important role in most of the body’s processes. However, only 1.5 mg to 3 mg of copper is sufficient for a human body everyday as too much of it increases the body system’s toxic levels.