Copper 

Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. It is found in all body tissues and plays a role in making red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells and the immune system. It also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron and plays a role in energy production. Most copper in the body is in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. Both too much and too little copper can affect how the brain works. Impairments linked to Menkes, Wilson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease Deficiency is rare, but it can lead to cardiovascular disease and other problems.
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function. So, it contributes to iron absorption. Sufficient copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, too.

Cardiovascular health

Low copper levels are associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. One group of researchers has suggested that some patients with heart failure may benefit from copper supplements.
Animal studies have linked low copper levels to CVD, but it remains unclear if a deficiency would have the same impact on humans.

Neuron signaling

In 2016, Prof. Chris Chang, a chemist who is part of the Sackler Sabbatical Exchange Program at Berkeley, CA, devised and used a fluorescent probe to track the movement of copper in and out of nerve cells.
Prof. Chang says: “Copper is like a brake or dimmer switch, one for each nerve cell.”
His team found that if high amounts of copper enter a cell, this appears to reduce neuron signaling. When copper levels in that cell fall, signaling resumes.

Immune function

Too little copper can lead to neutropenia. It is a deficiency of white blood cells, or neutrophils, which fight off infection.
A person with a low level of neutrophils is more likely to get an infectious disease.

Osteoporosis

Severe copper deficiency is associated with lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis. More research is needed on how marginal copper deficiency may affect bone health and how copper supplementation might help prevent and manage osteoporosis.

Collagen production

Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen and elastin, major structural components of our bodies. Scientists have hypothesized that trusted Source copper may have antioxidant properties and that together with other antioxidants, a healthful intake may help prevent skin aging.
Without sufficient copper, the body cannot replace damaged connective tissue or the collagen that makes up the scaffolding for bone.
It can lead to a range of problems, including joint dysfunction, as bodily tissues begin to break down.
Copper is found in a wide variety of foods.

Good sources include:

oysters and other shellfish
whole grains
beans
potatoes
yeast
dark leafy greens
cocoa
dried fruits
black pepper
organ meats, such as kidneys and liver
nuts, such as cashews and almonds
Most fruits and vegetables are low in copper, but it is present in whole grains, and it is added to some breakfast cereals and other fortified foods.