Copper is an essential mineral required by the body for bone and connective tissue production, and for coding specific enzymes that range in function from eliminating free radicals to producing melanin.
A deficiency in copper can lead to osteoporosis, joint pain, lowered immunity, and since copper is essential for the absorption of iron, anemia. Conversely, over-consumption of copper will lead to cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting in the short term, and can lead to depression, schizophrenia, hypertension, senility, and insomnia in the long term. Copper in large amounts can even be poisonous.
The stomach needs to be acidic in order to absorb copper and thus antacids interfere with the absorption of copper, as do milk and egg proteins. The current DV for copper is 2mg. Below is a list of high copper foods, for more, see the lists of high copper foods by nutrient density, and copper rich foods.
#8: Avocados
| Copper in 100g | Per cup puréed (230g) | Per avocado (201g) |
| 0.19mg (10% DV) | 0.44mg (22% DV) | 0.38mg (19% DV) |
Half an average avocado contains 161 calories. Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#4: Seeds (Sesame Seeds)
| Copper in 100g | Per cup (144g) | Per ounce (28g) |
| 4.08mg (204% DV) | 5.88mg (294% DV) | 1.14mg (57% DV) |
Other Seeds High in Copper (%DV per ounce): Sunflower Seeds (26%), Pumpkin & Squash Seeds (19%), Flaxseeds (17%), and Watermelon Seeds (10%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.
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Selenium is required by the body for proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and may help protect against free radical damage and cancer. A deficiency in selenium can lead to pain in the muscles and joints, unhealthy hair, and white spots on the fingernails. In long term cases it may even lead to Hashimoto's disease, a condition in which the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid. An excess of selenium can lead to bad breath, diarrhea, and even hair loss. The current daily value (DV) for selenium is 70μg (micrograms). It is important to note that the amount of selenium in any product varies greatly by the amount of selenium in the soil in which it was produced/grown/raised. Be sure to check individual labels, and if you have a deficiency in selenium, get tested after changing your diet to be sure you are eating adequate amounts. Below is list of high selenium foods by common serving size, for more see the list of high selenium foods by nutrient density, and the extended list of selenium rich foods.
#1: Brazil Nuts
| Selenium in 100g | Per Cup (133g) | Per Ounce (28g) |
| 1917.0μg (2739% DV) | 2549.6μg (3642% DV) | 536.8μg (767% DV) |
Selenium Mixed Nuts (14%), Cashews (8%), Black Walnuts (7%), and Macadamia Nuts (5%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#2 Chicken and Turkey
| Selenium in 100g | Per Cup Chopped (140g) | Per 3 oz (85g) |
| 37.8μg (54% DV) | 52.9μg (76% DV) | 32.1μg (46% DV) |
Chicken is also High in Selenium Providing (%DV per 3 oz cooked): Roast Chicken Breast (39%), Chicken Thigh (36%), and Stewing Chicken (35%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#3 Seeds (Sunflower)
| Selenium in 100g | Per Cup (128g) | Per Ounce (28g) |
| 79.3μg (113% DV) | 101.5μg (145% DV) | 22.2μg (32% DV) |
Other Seeds High in Selenium (%DV per ounce): Chia Seeds (22%), Sesame Seeds (14%), Flaxseeds (10%), and Pumpkin and Squash Seeds (4%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#4 Pork (Lean Tenderloin - Cooked)
| Selenium in 100g | Per 3 oz (85g) | Per Chop (73g) |
| 51.6μg (74% DV) | 43.9μg (63% DV) | 37.7μg (54% DV) |
Pork Ham (61%), Lean Pork Mince (60%), and Lean Pork Loin (59%). Click to see complete nutrition facts.
