Eating copper-rich food like leafy greens, mushrooms, sesame and sunflower seeds, cashews and walnuts, beans, oysters and other shellfish, not only prevents premature aging and graying of hair, it also boosts fat burning in the body. Researchers have found that copper acts as a regulator in the body. The more copper there is, the more the fat is broken down. Copper is not something the body can make, so we need to get it through our diet. The scientists caution against taking copper supplements as too much copper can lead to imbalances with other essential minerals, including zinc.