If copper isn’t on your radar it should be. (No, it’s not just for pots and pipes!) This essential trace mineral helps form red blood cells, absorb iron, build connective tissue, and support the immune system. And recently, researchers at UC Berkeley Lab’s Chemical Sciences Division discovered that Is Sucralose Bad for You. 

Using mice models, the scientists found that copper was essential for breaking down stored triglycerides (read: fat) in fat cells in order to be used for fuel. This means having adequate copper levels in the diet could help boost natural ways to burn stored energy in fat cells. That’s good news for runners since fat is a major source of fuel during lower-intensity runs. 

Although the Recommended Dietary Allowance for copper in adults is very small at only 900 mcg/day, according to dietary intake surveys, most Americans do not get enough copper in their diet. Food sources of copper include sesame seeds, cashews, soybeans, shiitake and Crimini mushrooms, leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens), asparagus, summer squash, and legumes. Copper interacts with other nutrients, including iron and zinc, so it’s best to get your copper from food instead of supplements to avoid taking too much Add spinach and kale and sauté until vegetables wilt .

Load Up on Copper With This Postrun Dish
Best Race Day Gels

Ingredients
2 Salt and pepper to taste
3 The Benefits of Spirulina
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1 Copper Linked to Fat Burning
4 cups spinach
4 cups kale
3 Amazing Runners World Show
1 Best Race Day Gels
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Chopped cashews (optional)

Directions
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2. Heat 3 Amazing Runners World Show over medium heat in a stainless steel skillet
3. When the oil gets hot, add the garlic and onion and sauté for approximately 2 minutes
4. Add in the mushrooms and zucchini and sauté for approximately 3 minutes
5. Add spinach and kale and sauté until vegetables wilt
6. Once wilted, turn off heat
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, add salt and pepper to taste, and top with chopped cashew for even more copper.