Copper is extremely pivotal in the generation of red blood cells in our body. It also helps in the maintenance of nerve cells that further contribute towards building the immune system of the body. The proper consumption of copper-rich food is important to strike a balance of nutrients and minerals in the body and maintain its smooth functioning. Here are some natural foods that have high amounts of copper and incorporating them in your diet can help in strengthening your health.
* Nuts And Seeds
People have started eating nuts and seeds after realising their potential health benefits. A lot of you might not know but nuts and seeds such as cashews, almonds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are extremely rich in copper. You can simply add them to your diet by sprinkling them over your food and increasing the copper content in the food. This is one of the simplest and hassle-free ways of eating food that is rich in copper.
* Shellfish
Shellfish, including oysters, clams and crabs are amazing sources of copper. These seafoods are naturally copper-dense and consuming them frequently throughout the week can help in maintaining the copper levels in your body naturally. Instead of taking supplements for copper deficiency, incorporating healthy food is a better idea as not only is it rich in copper but also in a lot of other nutrients and minerals.
* Green Vegetables
There are a lot of green vegetables available in the market, especially during the winter season. You can choose any of these vegetables, including spinach, Kale and broccoli. All of these contain high amounts of copper as well as other beneficial vitamins and minerals. These are also very easy to digest and you can make a multitude of healthy recipes with these vegetables.
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* Dark Chocolate
For all the chocolate lovers out there, this is good news and something you will be surprised to know. Both cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain a high quantity of copper. Dark chocolate also has a high amount of antioxidants, and minerals and helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels in the body. Overall, having a small amount of dark chocolate every day can do wonders for your body.
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* Fish
Fish is another seafood on the list because of its high copper content. Fishes like salmon and sardines are both a very rich source of copper as well as loaded with omega-3 three fatty acids. Both of these are extremely beneficial for our health and contribute towards strengthening immunity. Consumption of these fish will show instant results on your body.
* Lentils And Beans
This is an excellent source of copper and protein for people who only eat vegetarian food. Lentils such as kidney beans and Pinto beans are another excellent source of copper for vegetarians. Always remember that these pulses should be consumed in only a limit because overconsumption may lead to bloating and acidity. You can combine it with other healthy items like fresh vegetables and nuts.
* Mushrooms
The mushroom kingdom is very diverse and there are so many types of mushrooms that you will find in the market all of which cater to different body needs. Varieties of mushrooms such as shiitake and crimini are very rich in copper, especially when you consume them without overcooking them. These are also considered as an extremely healthy food and there is a special way to cook these mushrooms to extract the maximum health benefits out of them.
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* Chickpeas
Chickpeas are also very rich in iron and copper. Just like other pulses, you must only consume chickpeas in moderation to avoid any stomach-related problems. The best way to consume chickpeas is to make a chickpea salad with other sources of protein such as chicken or Paneer depending upon your preference. You can also add a lot of fresh vegetables and some spices to elevate the overall flavour of the salad.
* Potatoes
If you eat potatoes along with their skin, then you will get a sufficient amount of copper for your body. This is why the consumption of potatoes along with their skin is considered more beneficial for health. But always remember that you must wash your potatoes properly and make sure that there are no dirt particles attached to the skin of your potatoes before eating them.
* Whole Grains
Whole grains including oats, barley and quinoa are extremely rich in copper as well as a lot of other nutrients. These are perfect meal options for the days when you want to eat something light yet extremely healthy and nutritious. There are so many ways you can make these whole grains and eat them every day without getting bored.
These are some of the top natural sources of copper that you can find easily in your kitchen. Start making these part of your diet for a proper copper intake.