Our body includes iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, vanadium, selenium and even nickel much like the coins in our pocket or wallet. In contrast to elements (carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, calcium, nitrogen, phosphor), which are the essence of life, the metals in our body cannot be synthesized. However, they are carefully processed in our body. Copper, which is one of these metals, is a perfect biological metal that carries out many beneficial functions in our body. But the amount of this metal in our body is within a measurement Allah created. If there is an irregularity in the processing mechanism and the delicate rate of copper changes, it would cause damage to our body that would be  very difficult to mend.

• What are the benefits of copper for our body?
• What does the deficiency of this mineral in our body cause?

The body’s daily need of copper changes between 1.5 to 3  mgs. Copper is a substance that is not easily absorbed by the body. Only 5% of the copper in nutrients is absorbed by the body. There are large amounts of copper in sources such as olives, almonds,  walnuts, fresh and dried grapes, barley, whole wheat bread, honey, lamb livers, oranges, beetroots, molasses, broccoli, beans and green peas and after taken in the body it cannot stay in a reduced way (Cu(+)). This mineral loses electrons (Cu2+) and is used by all living organisms for multiple  functions.

On the other side, copper is a potential toxin that causes people to get sick and die. Free copper inside the cell can form hydroxyl radicals that harm proteins, nucleic acids and lipids and may interfere  with the synthesis of iron sulphur sets needed for the activity of some important cellular enzymes. Therefore, copper has to be processed in the body with care. So our Lord created mechanisms, which carefully process this metal that is both beneficial and hazardous for the body:

• Vectors and transmitters that carry copper in and out of the cell: This mechanism catches the copper inside the body and carries it in and out of the cell or to organelles.
• Transcriptional (copying) suppressors: In  case of low copper levels, they suppress the genes that thrust copper and keep copper at normal levels.
• Metal reducers: Reduces Cu(2+) to Cu(+).  
• Chaperons: They are enzymes to unite metalloproteins (proteins that include metal ions) or help copper ions pass through placenta membrane or blood-brain barrier.
• Energy Pumps: Ensure electron transfer chain.

There is no doubt that such a system that protects the human body and containsthe fineest details, was created by Almighty Allah. In one verse, Allah’s perfect art of creation is revealed as such:

"He is Allah – the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form.           To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Him.He is the Almighty, the All-Wise." (Surat al-Hashr, 24)

Allah Determines a Very Delicate Rate For Copper in Human Body

There are approximately 100 to 150 grams of copper element in the human body. 10% of this is in the liver and brain and the rest is in the blood. Copper is spread into both plasma and red blood cells in the blood. They form hemoglobin together with iron. Copper is very important for the functioning of many organs and for the production of enzymes in the human body:

• It organizes the function of many enzymes and heart activity.
• It fastens the bones knit.
• It is necessary for enzymes required for the renewal of body tissue and increase in bone structure strength.
• It is effective in the function of histaminase enzymes that controls allergies and inflammation.
• It is responsible in protein synthesis and energy production.
• It acts like a catalyst for the formation of hemoglobin that carries oxygen.
• It is required for the use of zinc and vitamin C.
• It helps the formation of red blood cells.
• The amount of copper is very important for the health of the brain, nervous system and collagen tissue.
• It is beneficial for hair and skin health because copper is needed for tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of keratin tissue and pigments in hair.

So because of this importance of copper, its amount in the human body is very important.

If copper is above this specific delicate level created by Allah;

• Cancer risk increases to a great extent.
• Tendency for serious mental diseases such as depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimers  may increase.
• It causes physical diseases such as hypertension.
• It causes Wilsons disease, which emerges as a result of copper storage in some tissues of the body such as the kidney, liver, cornea and brain. In the later stages of the disease, there would be swelling in stomach, jaundice, hepatitis, vision problems and central nervous system distortions due to damage to the brain.
• It causes muscle and nervous system distortions such as  Parkinson’s disease and  Huntingtons disease where the arm, leg, body and facial muscles contract suddenly and involuntarily.
• There may be  mental deficiencies and a decrease in the amount of copper in the liver and brain that results in death before three years of age, and  Menkes disease that causes an increase in copper  in the intestines and kidneys as well as a  tendency to infections. 

If copper is less than the delicate amount created by Allah;

• Anemia is seen.
• Body strength is significantly reduced .
• It causes problems such as weakness, wounds and eczema on skin.
• In addition, it may cause loss of hair, loss of appetite and tremors.
• The immune system gets weaker.
• Bone and tissue structures are negatively affected.

ALLAH IS THE ONE WHO CREATES EVERYTHING IN HARMONY

There is a purpose that governs every part of the human body and a flawless harmony and balance directed for this purpose. No matter which characteristic of the body we examine, we see the infinite intelligence, mind and power of Almighty Allah, Who created all systems needed for the flawless workings of our body out of nothing. Everything submits to His Will and thus everything is in flawless harmony.

This result science  reached in the 20^th century is the confirmation of the truth revealed in the Qur’an. Almighty Allah, He Who is the Creator of all things revealed in the Qur’an that every detail shows the perfection of His creation:

"He who created the seven heavens in layers.You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again – do you see any gaps? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!" (Surat al-Mulk, 3-4) 

Minerals are chemical substances needed for the body to stay healthy and the inorganic compounds of these substances. Every mineral has a supplementary duty that strengthens the effect of other nutrients. One of these important minerals is copper. Copper, which is in almost all bodily tissues, plays a vital role in the reactions of enzymes. Our Lord, Who is the Creator of all things, created a flawless system for us in every way. This shows us one more time that there is no god but our Lord. In one verse it is revealed as such:

" Your god is Allah alone, there is no god but Him. He encompasses all things in His knowledge.’" (Surah Ta Ha, 98)

All the minerals in  nature are found in our body. Minerals are required for a healthy life; the body cannot maintain its necessary functions in a healthy way without them.

Minerals are inorganic substances formed by the body. There are more than 15 minerals which are very important for our health. Minerals mostly work with vitamins and ensure that vitamins reach the place they are needed the most. Vitamins work for the minerals in the same way.