Two Trace Minerals Linked to Living to 100 Years Old

author avatar Dr. Eric Berg 08/31/2023

If you could be healthy long into old age, wouldn't that be great? It turns out that there are certain things that people who do just that have in common. And we can learn from what those people have going for them to set ourselves up for a long life as well. Below, we'll look at what the research says about trace minerals and longevity. And you'll learn the top two trace minerals that could help you live a long, wonderful life.

I will cover:

Two elderly men with canes smiling and holding balloons celebrating 100 years old.

People over 100 have two trace minerals in common

Researchers are always interested in what helps people to increase their life expectancy, including what nutrients might help us to get to old age.

There was one study done that looked to determine the link between trace minerals and living a healthy, long life.

The study looked at data from healthy Chinese people who were living over the age of 100. They did a hair analysis of these healthy "centenarians," and looked at the levels of trace minerals in their body. These minerals included things like chromium, selenium, zinc, iron, copper, and others.

The results of the study showed that of all the trace minerals, only two were in the normal range. And which were they?

Zinc and copper.

All of the other trace minerals in the study were either increased or decreased from the normal range. These results suggest that zinc and copper both might play a useful role in keeping people healthy as they age and live longer.

Colorful spheres labeled with minerals and trace minerals like zinc and copper, healthy nutrients.

Why are these trace minerals so helpful for longevity?

This study showed us that people who've lived a longer life than most have healthy levels of zinc and copper. The role of these minerals in a certain enzyme just might be one of the mechanisms behind that finding.

Zinc and copper work together in an enzyme called SOD. This stands for superoxide dismutase. The enzyme is a special one that is involved in longevity. It helps our body to stay healthy over time and to stay healthy longer.

And on top of that, both zinc and copper have lots of health benefits. Your body doesn't need super high levels of them (that is why they are called "trace" minerals – they are only needed in small amounts), but without them, your health will definitely suffer.

Let's take a closer look at both of these trace elements and how they can help you live a healthier, longer life.

 

The two trace minerals for a long life

As we've seen, the trace minerals zinc and copper play an important role in people who live to be 100 years old.

Below, I dive into each of these important minerals and the vital roles they play in the body. You'll also learn some good food sources for each mineral so that you can start consuming more of them.

3D image of blue supplement pill capsule labeled with Zinc Zn element trace mineral.


1. Zinc

What does it do?

Zinc is involved in over 2,000 enzymes in the body, meaning it is central to many different functions that our body carries out every single day. It is also involved in DNA synthesis and repair. And as we know, longevity has everything to do with the ability to repair.

In addition, zinc protects the liver against poisons, prevents the buildup of amyloid plaque, and so much more. It plays a role in our skin, immune system, digestion, and more. It is also one of the top 2 trace minerals for depression.

Unfortunately, 2 billion people on this planet are deficient in zinc. Most of us need much more to be in the healthy range.

Good food sources of copper

If you are looking to up your intake of this trace mineral, try shellfish, seafood, beef, lamb, eggs, and pumpkin seeds.

D image of orange supplement pill capsule labeled with Copper Cu element trace mineral.


2. Copper

What does it do?

Like zinc, copper is a cofactor for many different enzymes. This means that enzymes need it to complete all their jobs properly – the jobs that help us to live a healthy life.

Copper also helps make neurotransmitters, supports the growth of the fetus, and helps form collagen and connective tissue. Without it, we can get issues with our joints and ligaments, get anemia, lose our vision, have neurodegeneration, and so much more.

Again, this is a mineral that is vital for living a long life and a healthy one. Without it, problems start to pile up over time.

Good food sources of copper

To get more copper in your diet, try oysters, meats, organ meats, leafy green vegetables, and mushrooms.

 

Key takeaways

Elderly woman with gray hair and wrinkles smiling and looking out a window.



Researchers have shown us that people who are living over the age of 100 have a few things in common. One of them is that they have two trace minerals in healthy amounts.

Zinc and copper and two of the minerals linked to a long life.

If you want to live a long life too, then you'll want to make sure you get enough of these minerals.

Look to eat more foods like seafood, organic meats, leafy greens, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and mushrooms to boost your intake. You can also try out my trace mineral drops as a dietary supplement.

Doing so might just increase your life span.

Did you know that trace minerals could play a role in how long your life is? Leave me a comment below with your thoughts on these two minerals for long life.

References

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