Functions of Copper in the Body
- Copper helps the conversion of iron into hemoglobin.
- It stimulates the growth of red blood cells.
- It is also an integral part of certain digestive enzymes.
- It makes the amino acid – tyrosine – usable, enabling it to work as the pigmenting factor for the hair and skin.
- It is also essential for the utilization of vitamin C.
Sources of Copper
- Mollusks and shellfish are rich sources of copper, as are betel leaves, alecanuts and other nuts.
- Soft water contains more copper than hard water and water from the tap contains more copper than reservoir water. However, the latter is a better source of copper than water taken directly from the stream.
