Various enzyme reactions require copper as well. In your body, the liver and brain contain the largest amounts of copper. Copper imbalances can produce various symptoms, inefficient utilization of iron and protein, diarrhea, high cholesterol , thyroid problems, stunted growth, mental and emotional problems. Nutritional copper is believed to be beneficial in helping overcome chronic inflammation, gray hair, cancer, parasites , arthritis , skin wrinkles and joint problems such as arthritis, bursitis and rheumatism. Studies have been published that further establish the negative effects of copper deficiency in humans.
Copper is also vital for keeping our skin, blood vessels and connective tissue supple and elastic.
These well-documented findings came as a surprise to many who had been misled to believe that copper should be avoided because it is toxic and can generate free radicals. Indeed a deficiency of copper that increases an animal's damage from free radicals and increases its susceptibility to cancer. Chronic copper deficiency results in anemia , leukopenia, and skeletal demineralization, subclinical copper deficiency in adult animals is hard to detect and can cause instability in heart rhythm, hyperlipidemia, thrombotic heart disease, and breakdown of vascular tissue. Benefits of good copper nutrition is obvious, especially for those people consuming supplements of dietary copper antagonists like zinc and ascorbic acid. Remember the fundamental importance of adequate copper in good nutrition.