Did you know that copper isn't just for pennies and the bottom of pots? It is also an important mineral for your diet. Even though iron usually gets the nutritional spotlight, copper is necessary for the production of red blood cells. It also keeps your nervous and immune systems happy and your bones healthy. If you don't get enough copper in your diet, it could lead to conditions such as osteoporosis and anemia. If you get too much, it's poisonous.
So how much is enough? To find out read more
People ages 19 and over should focus on getting around .9 milligrams a day. If you're pregnant you should get 1 mg, and if you're breastfeeding, you need even more: 1.3 mg. Watch out, because if you get more than 10 mg, it could be toxic.
So where can you get this important mineral? Dark, leafy greens, dried fruit (prunes), cocoa (yay!), black pepper, and yeast contain copper. Oysters and other shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, taters, and organ meats (kidney and liver) are also great sources. Check the list below to make sure you're getting the right amount each day.
| Food | Amount of Copper |
| 6 oysters | 3.7 mg |
| 1/4 cup almonds | .4 mg |
| 1/4 cup cashews | .76 mg |
| 2 tbsp peanut butter | .18 mg |
| 1 large baked potato | .33 mg |
| 1 cup cooked oats | .12 mg |
| 1/2 cup brown rice | .08 mg |
| 1/2 cup quinoa | .7 mg |
| 1 cup prune juice | .15 mg |
| 1/2 cup kidney beans | .19 mg |
| 1/2 cup garbanzo beans | .2 mg |
| 1 tsp cocoa powder | .19 mg |
| 1 cup kale | .19 mg |
| 1 tbsp black pepper | .07 mg |

Marni
Roksanda Ilincic
PPQ
I heard that copper is good for the skin, too.
1Interesting because I was looking at my cereal yesterday and noticed it had 10% of my daily copper, and i was wondering, what the heck do i need copper for?! haha now i know! thanks : )
2Maybe I could use "I need the copper" as an excuse to eat delicious oysters every day?? mmmm!
3Oysters
so yummy!
4Peanut butter, mmmmm.
5Glad to have a reason/excuse to eat more peanut butter!
6I eat a lot of nuts and ever since I have, I have noticed that my skin has gotten a lot clearer and firmer.
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