minerals – NutraChamps Blog

The Mighty Mineral: Exploring the Benefits of Copper for Human Health

Copper, a trace mineral that has been utilized by humans for centuries, holds immense importance in supporting our overall health and well-being. From aiding in the formation of red blood cells to contributing to the health of our bones and immune system, copper plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of copper, its significance in our diet, and highlight the importance of incorporating copper-rich sources like NutraChamps bone strength supplement into our daily routines.

The Essentiality of Copper:

Copper is an essential mineral required by the human body in small amounts. It acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, facilitating numerous biological reactions. One of the most notable functions of copper is its involvement in the production of hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen in our blood. Copper aids in the formation and maturation of red blood cells, thereby promoting healthy oxygenation throughout the body.

Furthermore, copper plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. By supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms, copper contributes to our ability to fight off infections and maintain optimal health.

Copper and Bone Strength:

Beyond its contributions to blood and immune health, copper also plays a significant role in maintaining strong and healthy bones. Copper is involved in the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that provides strength and flexibility to our bones, tendons, and connective tissues. It promotes the cross-linking of collagen fibers, ensuring the integrity of bone structure and preventing bone fragility.

The NutraChamps Bone Strength Supplement Advantage:

To ensure an adequate intake of copper and harness its numerous benefits, incorporating copper-rich sources into our diet is crucial. NutraChamps bone strength supplement stands out as an excellent option for individuals seeking to optimize their copper intake. This supplement is designed to support bone health and contains a balanced blend of essential nutrients, including copper.

NutraChamps bone strength supplement’s inclusion of copper is essential for promoting bone strength and integrity. By delivering copper alongside other key nutrients, the supplement ensures that the body has the necessary building blocks to support healthy bone formation and maintenance. This is especially important as we age, as maintaining bone density becomes increasingly important for overall mobility and well-being.

Copper, a trace mineral often overlooked in discussions about nutrition, plays a critical role in maintaining optimal health. From its involvement in the production of red blood cells to its contributions to bone strength and immune function, copper’s benefits cannot be overstated. Incorporating copper-rich sources like NutraChamps bone strength supplement into our daily routines can provide the necessary support for these essential physiological processes. By embracing the power of copper, we can enhance our overall well-being and pave the way for a healthier, more vibrant life.

Sources:

Prohaska JR. Copper. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 11th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2014.
Linder MC. Copper. In: Erdman JW, Macdonald IA, Zeisel SH, eds. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 10th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2012.
Klevay LM. Copper. Adv Nutr. 2011;2(6):520-522.
Tang X, Jiang X, Wang Z, et al. Copper and bone metabolism. J Bone Miner Metab. 2014;32(6):582-589.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or starting any new supplements.

July 5, 2023

The Zinc Connection: How This Mineral Affects Your Body

Oh hey there, health enthusiasts! This article is going to talk about a micronutrient that’s small in size but plays a significant role in keeping our bodies healthy – zinc! You may have heard of zinc as a supplement, but did you know that it’s actually found in various food sources too?

Let’s dive into the importance of zinc, what foods you can find it in, and why supplementing with it might be essential.

The Lowdown on Zinc:

Zinc is a mineral that’s vital for our immune system, wound healing, and cell growth and division. It’s also essential for our senses of taste and smell. In fact, a zinc deficiency can lead to impaired taste and smell, delayed wound healing, hair loss, and even infertility. So, getting enough zinc in our diet is crucial!

Food Sources of Zinc:

Luckily, zinc can be found in a wide variety of foods, including:

Meat: Beef, pork, and chicken are excellent sources of zinc. Just one serving of beef provides about 7 milligrams of zinc, which is nearly half of the recommended daily intake for adult men.
Seafood: Oysters are the richest source of zinc, with just six medium-sized oysters providing over 30 milligrams of zinc! Other seafood sources of zinc include crab, lobster, and shrimp.
Dairy: Milk and cheese contain small amounts of zinc, but they can still contribute to your daily intake. Some dairy products are also fortified with zinc.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are plant-based sources of zinc. Vegetarians and vegans can rely on legumes to meet their daily zinc needs.
Nuts and seeds: Cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds are good sources of zinc. They’re also rich in other nutrients like magnesium and healthy fats.

Supplementing with Zinc:

While getting enough zinc through food is ideal, some people may benefit from taking a zinc supplement. For example, vegetarians and vegans may have a harder time meeting their daily zinc needs through food alone, as plant-based sources of zinc aren’t as well absorbed by the body as animal-based sources. Additionally, athletes, pregnant women, and older adults may need more zinc than the average person.

NutraChamps has a few different zinc supplements to choose from, including a liquid zinc supplement that can be added to your favorite beverage, a zinc+ liquid supplement that’s highly absorbable, and zinc gummies that are delicious and perfect for supporting your immune system during cold and flu season.

So there you have it, folks – the importance of zinc, where to find it in your diet, and why supplementing with it might be beneficial. Whether you choose to get your zinc from food or supplements, make sure you’re getting enough of this important micronutrient to support your health and wellbeing. And if you’re in the market for a high-quality zinc supplement, NutraChamps has got you covered!

March 23, 2023

Maca – The Mighty Superfood!

You’ve likely heard of Maca before.

You probably know that it is good for you, but don’t know why you should add this into your supplement regiment when Maca isn’t necessarily crucial to your well-being. Well, the Peruvians would beg to differ. This nutritional powerhouse has been a staple in the diets of many South Americans, specifically those in the high Andes mountains of Peru. Let’s see why this herb has gained so much buzz in the past few years.

Used medicinally for centuries, Maca is nothing new to South Americans. It was and continues to be used to enhance fertility in humans and in animals. This is what helped them stay fed through tough, stormy seasons. That’s right – animals in Peru were fed Maca, and this continues to go down in history (by the Spanish colonizers) as an incredible way to raise strong and healthy livestock that then helped the mountainous areas thrive, as well.

Ancient history carried into the present!

Domesticated over 2000 years ago by Inca Indians, Maca is a lot older than we think. Like, 1600 B.C. old! Also known as the Peruvian Ginseng, this plant can grow in altitudes of up to 14,500 feet, meaning that rain, snow, or sun, this plant is hearty. It is planted for a lengthy 7-9 months in order to produce the harvested roots we use. These are some of the strongest crops I’ve ever heard of. They live in an area that is inhospitable to humans and animals, seeing as it sees intense sunlight, violent winds, and below-freezing weather. These Maca roots are basically grown in rocky soil. That would be almost impossible for other plants or crops to inhabit, but Peruvians have made this method work over centuries!

Nutritional facts:

Carbohydrates– 59%

Protein– 10.2%

Fiber– 8.5%

Essential Amino Acids– the building blocks of proteins, these compounds play many critical roles in your body. Maca contains nearly all of the amino acids, much like meat does!

Fatty Acids– these are cellular fuel sources, aid in the composition of hormones and lipids, and the modification of proteins. They also store energy within your adipose tissue (specialized fat cells). Maca contains 20 of these!

Vitamins– Thiamin, Riboflavin, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin are the main players in this root veggie. These help to convert carbs into energy, red blood cell production, supports antioxidant activity, and healthy blood circulation.

Minerals– Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium, just to name the major ones.

If that wasn’t enough, here is why Maca is a superfood:

It’s basically the original sugar-free energy booster. Although it is naturally in a root form, you can take it in powder, liquid, or whole and achieve similar if not the same results. This cruciferous vegetable is actually related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale! However, that’s not what makes this a superfood. Maca has adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help the body naturally adapt to all kinds of stressors, whether they be environmental, physiological, and psychological.

Man hold maca root — Source: mountainroseherbs.com

Benefits of Maca:

Fertility – although the research is relatively new and mostly on animals, it may be worth adding maca to your diet if you plan on conceiving. Maca’s vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients have shown to support the endocrine system. This helps the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands balance your hormones. Both men and women can use it for this reason.

Hormone balance – Maca helps your thyroid (thanks to its content of iron and iodine), which in turn helps your sex hormones and skin! Say goodbye to painful, cystic pimples!

Strength & Endurance – both in sport and in the bedroom, this supplement can keep you in the game for longer! Arginine, which stimulates nitric oxide production (the same way Viagra works), is likely why it is sometimes called the Peruvian Viagra.

Concentration – Maca is a brain booster! It can help with concentration, especially for those in school or working long hours. Although we do not recommend this for children, it has been shown to help in brain function and memory in adults.

Treats Menopausal symptoms – Because maca is an adaptogen, it adapts to your body’s needs and can help balance your system to naturally avoid or lessen hot flashes, loss of libido, mood swings, night sweats, and more.

Anti-depressant/anti-anxiety – Because maca helps to support healthy brain chemistry, it has been associated with helping those with depression and anxiety in replacement of, or, in conjunction with doctor-prescribed medicine.

Try it!

So what are you waiting for? Have you used Maca before? Tell us how you take it. Do you prefer it in powder form, NC maca bottle capsule form, or as the root itself? Did you know you can get a gelatinized version, where most of the starch is removed? Say goodbye to the bloat! Do you like to put it into your meals or take it on its own? Feel free to try some of the recipes on our blog: our Chocolate Maca Energy Smoothie or our Maca Iced Coffee. Let us know how Maca has helped you in your life!