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Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the human body, is an essential mineral whose ions are vital for the functioning of all living cells!  Potassium plays a role at both the cellular and electrical level – considered and electrolyte because it carries a tiny electrical charge – it is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones.  Our bodies use potassium ions to conduct electrical impulses along muscle and nerve cells, it helps to boost the efficiency of nerve reflexes that transmit messages from one body part to another, this in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform various activities without tiring quickly. 

Potassium also has vasodilating properties that work to relieve the tension of blood vessels which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure.  It is helpful in reversing the role of sodium in unbalancing normal blood pressure thus acting as a vital component that maintains the normality of blood pressure in the human body.  The importance of potassium should not be underestimated in your dietary plan, most famously found in bananas other rich sources of potassium include spinach, avocados and coconut water.

Potassium contributes to:

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal muscle function

·         the maintenance of normal blood pressure

An essential trace mineral in the body, copper has long been known to play a role in human health – its use dates back to 400 BC when Hippocrates is said to have employed it as a treatment for a variety of disorders.  Playing a beneficial role in immune function, you need copper for healthy white blood cells – the cell type tasked with seeking out, identifying and destroying pathogens.  Low copper levels lower your white blood count leaving you vulnerable to infection. 

Copper is a vital element of the dark pigment melanin which imparts colouration to the hair and skin, intake of copper is said to protect greying hair.  Copper helps in the absorption of iron from the intestinal tract and releases it from its primary storage sites like the liver.  Also playing a significant role in the synthesis of haemoglobin, myelin and collagen, copper helps to protect the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves and is actively involved in the production of an element of connective tissue, elastin.  Functioning as a coenzyme for energy metabolism from the macronutrients in food we consume, copper enables a normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins.  Oxidative stress is a characteristic of copper deficiency, when obtained from dietary sources it acts as an antioxidant, getting rid of free radicals which can damage your cells and DNA.  For your body to use copper you need to have a balance of zinc and manganese which is why it is best to obtain your copper from dietary sources where it is already in bioavailable form.  Topping the chart as the best source of copper are oysters!  Closely followed by kale, shitake mushrooms, seeds, nuts and nut butters.

Copper Contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal connective tissues

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal hair pigmentation

·         normal iron transport in the body

·         normal skin pigmentation

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         the protection of cells from oxidative stress