Can Copper Help With Fat Loss?

Introduction

Copper is a pretty cool metal not just for making pennies but also helps our body do important things. You might know that copper is good for helping control our body's iron and creating energy in tiny parts called mitochondria. But guess what? Scientists have discovered that copper can also help us burn fat, including red blood cells, which might play a role in iron metabolism and plasma copper levels and help people lose weight. Additionally, copper has been linked to regulating body temperature, making it an essential mineral for maintaining a healthy low body temperature. However, low levels of copper in the body can have adverse effects, including anemia, bone fractures, and thyroid problems. This is why it is essential to ensure adequate intake of copper, whether through diet or copper supplementation, for overall health and well-being.

So imagine copper as a helper that tells fat cells it's time to break down and become energy we can use. If we have more copper, we can break down more fat. This discovery is super exciting and shows that copper is more than just a coin-maker—it's a health buddy, too!

The Scientific Discovery

Scientists have discovered something super interesting about copper, a metal we usually consider for making coins or wires. They found that copper is essential for breaking down fat and promoting overall health. When you have more copper, your body can break down more fat into energy, making it a crucial component of a healthy diet. This essential mineral can be found in various foods, including organ meats, seafood, beans, nuts, and whole grains, as well as through drinking water from copper pipes, using copper cookware, and eating farm products sprayed with copper-containing chemicals. Understanding the importance of copper in our diet, mainly through whole grains and the absorption of copper in our daily intake, can significantly impact our overall health and well-being. The bioavailability of copper is strongly influenced by the amount of copper in the diet, with higher amounts resulting in lower absorption rates. This highlights the importance of monitoring our daily intake of copper, whether through food or mineral supplements, to ensure optimal absorption and utilization of this essential mineral, making copper supplements a potential aid in promoting fat loss. Additionally, black pepper has been found to increase the absorption of copper in the body, making it a beneficial addition to any copper-rich meal.

The researchers did a cool experiment and published their findings on a website called Nature.com. Their study, titled "Copper Regulates Cyclic-AMP-Dependent Lipolysis," delved into the role of copper in regulating fat metabolism and preventing oxidative stress in the brain. They used mice with Wilson's disease, a rare condition where too much copper accumulates in the liver and other body parts, leading to oxidative damage. This disease, also known as childhood cirrhosis or idiopathic copper toxicosis, can also occur in humans and can have serious health consequences. Through their study, scientists gained valuable insights into regulating gene expression and the potential benefits of copper in managing fat loss. The study was led by Dr. Squitti R and his team, including Ventriglia M, who published their findings in the journal Biomolecules in 2021.

The sick mice showed that because of the extra copper concentrations, their bodies differed in how they handled fat compared to healthy mice. Then, the scientists treated the sick mice with a particular medicine that usually makes the body break down fat. They noticed that the sick mice didn't break down fat as well as the healthy ones, potentially linking low copper levels to the development of cardiovascular disease, specifically coronary heart disease. This made the scientists think more about how serum copper concentrations are connected to breaking down fat and its potential role in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease, specifically regarding LDL cholesterol levels and CVD risk. Additionally, studies have shown that low serum copper levels have been linked to poor cardiovascular health, and some researchers have suggested that copper supplements may benefit patients with heart failure.

They discovered that copper works with a specific part of our cells that helps break down fat. Imagine it as if copper is the key that starts the engine of a fat-breaking machine inside our bodies.

But here's a problem: even though copper is essential, most people need to get more of it. The experts say adults should get about 700 micrograms of copper daily, but only 1 out of 4 people do. This means a lot of us might not be as good at breaking down fat because we're not getting enough copper intake, with the recommended amount being 8 to 15 mg of zinc for every 1 mg of copper in the United States, according to the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine. However, it's important to note that excessive intake of copper can lead to toxicity, including symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as liver damage. The tolerable upper intake level for copper has been set at 10 milligrams per day, highlighting the importance of understanding the proper intake levels of essential nutrients like copper for optimal health and fat loss, as recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Additionally, research has shown that copper absorption is crucial in maintaining copper levels in the body and protecting against both deficiency and copper toxicity. Monitoring and regulating copper intake for overall health and well-being is important.

So, what can we learn from all this? Copper is for more than just making stuff or for decoration. It's a big deal for our health, especially how our bodies use fat. Getting enough copper can help ensure that our body's fat-breaking machine is working the best it can.

Vital Functions of Copper in the Human Body

Copper is super essential for our bodies because it helps us do many different things. Let's talk about why copper is like a superhero for our health:

1. Helping Enzymes Work:

Like a helper in a video game, copper helps special proteins called enzymes do their jobs. These enzymes help with things like:

• Making energy so we can run and play.
• Protecting our cells from getting damaged.
• Making sure our skin and hair look good.
• Helping hold our bones and muscles together.

1. Iron Buddy:

Copper is like a best friend to iron. It helps our body use iron to make hemoglobin, which makes our blood red and carries oxygen all over our body. Without enough copper, we might not have enough iron, making us tired and weak.

1. Brain and Nerves' Protector:

Copper acts like a shield for our brains and nerves. It helps keep the protective covering around our nerves healthy and helps our brain send signals so we can think, move, and feel.

1. Immune System Booster:

Copper is like a superhero for our immune system. It helps make white blood cells that fight off germs and keep us from getting sick.

1. Heart Helper:

Copper keeps our blood vessels strong and flexible, helping our heart and blood move smoothly throughout the body.

1. Bone Builder:

Copper works with other minerals to ensure our bones are strong and healthy. It's like the cement that helps build a strong building.

1. Guardian Against Aging:

Copper helps fight off harmful particles called free radicals, which can damage our cells. Think of it as a hero fighting off villains to keep our bodies healthy and young.

1. Energy Maker:

Copper is involved in making ATP, which is like the fuel that powers everything we do, from breathing to scoring a goal in soccer.

So, copper is a tiny element that does many big jobs to keep us healthy and strong!

Consequences of Copper Deficiency

Copper helps our body make energy. It's used inside tiny power plants in our cells called mitochondria to make a unique energy called ATP.

But sometimes, we might not have enough copper, and that can cause problems:

Blood Problems:

• Anemia: This causes fatigue and happens when there is not enough iron in the blood. In this case, just eating more iron doesn't help.
• Less White Blood Cells: This can make you get sick more easily.
• Fewer Neutrophils: These are essential white blood cells that help fight germs.

Nerve and Brain Problems:

• Feeling Numb or Tingling: This happens in your hands and feet because the nerves are hurt.
• Trouble Walking: That's because the nerves in your spinal cord might be getting damaged.
• Wobbly Movements: Need help with balance and coordination.

Bone Problems:

• Osteoporosis: When bones get weak and can break easily.
• Bone Issues: Bones might not form right or might be weaker.

Heart Problems:

• Weak Heart Muscle: This can make it hard for your heart to pump blood properly.

Immune System Problems:

• Getting Sick Often: Not having enough white blood cells makes catching colds and other infections easier.

Hair and Skin Problems:

• Lighter Skin and Hair: Not enough copper can mean less color in your skin and hair.
• Hair Issues: Your hair might become brittle or even fall out.

General Feeling Unwell:

• Feeling Tired: This can happen because of low iron or weak muscles.
• Trouble Breathing: This can also occur if you feel tired or weak.

When we don't have enough copper, all these problems can pop up, showing how important copper is for our health.

Addressing Copper Deficiency

There are a few reasons why someone might not have enough copper in their body:

1. Problems with the Tummy and Gut: If someone has a condition like celiac disease or Crohn’s disease or has had surgery on their stomach or intestines, it might be hard for their body to take in copper from their food.
2. Overeating Zinc: Zinc is another mineral, but if you have too much of it, it can stop your body from using enough copper. It's like when too many people try to go through a door at once and block each other.
3. Born with It: Some people have a special condition from birth, like Menkes disease, that prevents their body from handling copper properly.
4. Not Eating Enough Foods with Copper: Having enough foods in your diet that are good sources of copper can also lead to needing more copper. It’s like not getting enough of your favorite snack - if you don’t have it, you miss out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copper is more than just a metal for coins or wires; it's a crucial part of our health, especially when it comes to burning fat. The research shows that having enough copper helps our bodies break down fat more effectively, which can assist in weight loss. It's like having a helpful buddy in your body that boosts your energy by turning fat into something useful. But, many people don't get enough copper, which could stop them from being their best at breaking down fat. So, remembering to eat foods rich in copper or taking supplements can make sure your body's fat-burning machine is working right. Copper really does a lot more than we might think, helping with our energy, health, and even keeping our immune system strong. It's a tiny element that makes a big impact on keeping us healthy and full of energy!

If you're thinking you might not have enough copper to keep you healthy and full of energy, you should take a closer look at our Upgraded Copper. It's a cool way to add more copper to your life!

And if you're not sure whether you really need extra copper or not, no worries! You can test it out with a simple thing we have called a Hair Tissue Mineral analysis. Just grab this test from us, and it'll help you figure out if you need to boost your copper. It's a smart move to make sure your body is as happy and energetic as it can be!