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Copper: Benefits and Foods High in Copper

Discover Copper benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Copper content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Copper?

Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, maintaining healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function. It also contributes to iron absorption and the production of energy at the cellular level.

Benefits of Copper

  • Red Blood Cell Formation: Crucial for the production and maintenance of red blood cells.

  • Bone Health: Supports the development and maintenance of bones and connective tissue.

  • Immune Function: Enhances the immune system and helps fight off infections.

  • Nervous System: Important for maintaining the health of the nervous system.

  • Energy Production: Involved in the production of energy within cells.

Foods High in Copper

Here are some foods rich in Copper along with their approximate Copper content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) they provide. The DRV for Copper is approximately 0.9 milligrams (mg) for adults.

Top Sources of Copper for Carnivores

  1. Beef Liver

    • Copper content: 14.3 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 1589%

    • Beef liver is an exceptionally rich source of copper.

  2. Oysters

    • Copper content: 4.5 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 500%

    • Oysters are another excellent source of copper.

  3. Lobster

    • Copper content: 1.9 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 211%

    • Lobster provides a significant amount of copper.

  4. Crab

    • Copper content: 1.5 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 167%

    • Crab is rich in copper.

  5. Beef

    • Copper content: 0.9 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 100%

    • Beef provides a moderate amount of copper.

Top Sources of Copper for Vegans

  1. Cashews

    • Copper content: 2.2 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 244%

    • Cashews are rich in copper.

  2. Sunflower Seeds

    • Copper content: 1.8 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 200%

    • Sunflower seeds are exceptionally high in copper.

  3. Quinoa

    • Copper content: 0.6 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 67%

    • Quinoa is a nutritious grain that contains copper.

  4. Lentils

    • Copper content: 0.5 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 56%

    • Lentils are rich in copper and other essential nutrients.

  5. Chickpeas

    • Copper content: 0.4 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 44%

    • Chickpeas are a good plant-based source of copper.

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