
Missing "Lucky Penny" Mineral Harms Your Heart
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Some nutrients get all the glory. There are the vitamin A-Listers like C, D, and E.
And although minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium might be considered B-List stars, they ALSO get their fair share of attention.
But one vital nutrient never gets to walk the red carpet. And that lack of buzz means this mineral often gets overlooked.
So I’m not too surprised to learn that 25 percent of Americans are running short on this heart and bone hero.
Back in 1983, copper nearly disappeared from our pennies. These days they’re almost entirely zinc with a thin copper coating.
But there’s ANOTHER place copper has turned up missing. Many Americans are running low in copper TOO.
And those low levels could be a problem. Because while most folks couldn’t tell you what copper is even good for, it’s ESSENTIAL for our continued good health.
Copper is necessary for:
- energy production
- immune system maintenance
- energy production
- building healthy nerves
- improving brain function
- making red blood cells
But the benefits of this powerful mineral don’t end there. Not by a LONG shot.
Research links low levels to higher heart disease risk, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Copper is also necessary for bone-mineral production. Plus, those same bones RELY on the mineral to produce the connective tissues in your body that they’re built on.
It’s essential to top up your levels daily. You can do that by eating more of the right foods, including shellfish, nuts, beans, organ meats (like liver and kidneys), dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, potatoes, and shiitake mushrooms.
And keep in mind that if you’ve had weight loss surgery or have digestive issues such as IBS or celiac, your copper needs increase.
P.S. Around 80 percent of Americans DON’T eat enough servings of fruits and vegetables daily. But that’s not the only reason you may need to supplement your diet with a multivitamin. CLICK HERE to learn more.
SOURCE:
“Is the Western diet adequate in copper?,” Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 25, Issue 4, December 2011, Pages 204-212, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2011.08.146

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....