“For generations, our elders have advised us to drink water from copper vessels to reap health benefits. Perhaps, most of our elders still do, but the younger generation has now switched to plastic or other metallic bottles.
As our ancient traditions make their way back into the present, it’s high time to explore the benefits of drinking water from a copper vessel.
Before delving into the benefits of drinking water from a copper bottle, let’s shed light on the importance of copper for our bodies.
Copper is one of the essential trace minerals that offer numerous health benefits. It aids in the production of red blood cells and collagen, while also playing a vital role in energy production.
Now that you have an idea of the importance of copper in our bodies, let’s take a closer look at the science behind the ancient Indian practice of drinking water from copper vessels.
Copper is said to be the first element known to humanity, dating back to the Chalcolithic era or the Copper Age when humans used copper weapons instead of stone. Indians utilized copper in various forms, from currency for trade to household products.
According to Ayurveda, drinking water from copper vessels is beneficial. Copper is a metal with antibacterial properties. Throughout the centuries, copper has been used in various forms to treat ailments such as cuts, headaches, and varicose veins. The rise of Ayurvedic practices and indigenous medicines led to the popularity of copper products in household items like copper vessels and cups. Let’s delve further into the benefits of drinking water from copper vessels.”
Understanding the Importance of Copper-Infused Water Before Exploring Its Benefits
If you are new to the idea of drinking copper-infused water to enjoy its benefits, there is something you should know. Copper offers numerous health benefits and is a trace mineral essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. It helps in increasing red blood cells, collagen production, and provides energy. In addition to these crucial health advantages, water stored in a copper bottle possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate and reduce swollen joints.
Drinking water from a copper vessel is not only a healthy habit but also a safe one. Scientific studies have shown that storing water in a copper vessel for 8 hours effectively kills infection-causing microbes, making it safe for consumption.
A recent research study published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition found that water contaminated with dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E.Coli, when stored in a copper bottle for 16 hours, was completely free of these hazardous microbes.
Water stored in a copper vessel is an effective natural remedy for combating water-borne diseases such as cholera, jaundice, typhoid, hepatitis, and more. Water that has been stored in a copper vessel for at least 8 hours is known as “Tamra jal” or “Copper-purified water.” For generations, ancient Ayurvedic texts have recommended storing water in a copper jug overnight and drinking it early in the morning on an empty stomach to promote well-being and treat ailments. Since ancient times, water stored overnight in copper vessels has been lauded for its purity and health benefits. Copper-purified water helps maintain freshness, provides essential nutrients, and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Benefits of Drinking Water from a Copper Vessel
1.Cancer Prevention: Copper is an antioxidant, which means it helps combat harmful free radicals that can lead to cancer. Extensive research has shown the detrimental effects of free radicals on the human body, including their role in cancer development. Copper also plays a role in melanin production, providing color to the skin and eyes, while shielding against harmful UV rays from the sun.
2. Blood Pressure Management: According to the American Cancer Society, copper assists in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Copper deficiency can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), while copper deficiency in adults can result in hypertension (high blood pressure). Trace amounts of copper are essential for regulating blood pressure.
3. Thyroid Function: Copper helps balance thyroid gland function, supporting proper thyroid activity. It also counteracts the adverse effects of thyroid gland overactivity. Copper deficiency can lead to thyroid gland dysfunction, causing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in individuals.
4. Anemia Prevention: Copper aids in breaking down food, facilitating the production of hemoglobin, which enhances iron absorption in the body. Copper deficiency can lead to reduced hemoglobin levels, resulting in anemia. Severe copper deficiency can cause rare hematological disorders associated with decreased white blood cell counts.
5. Arthritis Relief: Copper possesses anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief to those experiencing arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These properties, along with copper’s bone-strengthening characteristics, make it an effective remedy for arthritis relief.
6. Heart Disease Prevention:Copper acts as a metal that helps clear plaque buildup and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart. Copper deficiency can result in heart muscle dysfunction, leading to inadequate blood pumping, impaired overall blood circulation, and an inability to respond adequately to stress—all factors contributing to an increased risk of heart disease.
7. Anti-Aging Properties:Ancient Egyptians used copper-based beauty products, and today, many skincare products contain copper due to its antioxidant properties. Copper promotes cell regeneration and counters the detrimental effects of free radicals on the skin, helping to combat wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging.
8. Digestive Health:Ancient Roman texts mention the use of copper-based medicine to combat stomach germs. Ayurveda suggests that drinking “Tamra Jal” detoxifies and cleanses the stomach. Copper also stimulates peristalsis (rhythmic contraction and expansion of the stomach lining), reduces inflammation of the stomach lining, and supports better digestion. Copper is an effective remedy for stomach ulcers, indigestion, and stomach infections.
9. Cardiovascular Support:Copper assists in plaque removal and blood vessel dilation, enhancing blood flow to the heart. Studies have confirmed that copper deficiency can lead to heart muscle dysfunction, resulting in inadequate blood pumping, impaired overall blood circulation, and an inability to respond adequately to stress—factors that increase the risk of heart diseases.
10. Enhanced Brain Efficiency: The human brain communicates with other organs through electrical impulses. Copper facilitates cell communication by transmitting these impulses, leading to more efficient brain function.
Tips for Properly and Safely Drinking Water from a Copper Vessel
Drinking water from a copper vessel offers numerous benefits, as mentioned above. However, simply using a copper vessel isn’t enough. It’s crucial to drink water from a copper vessel safely and correctly to maximize its benefits. Here are some tips for consuming water from a copper container the right way:
1. Choose Quality Copper: The quality of the copper vessel is essential. Purchase your copper vessel from a reputable copper dealer, ensuring it is made entirely of copper.
2. Initial Cleaning: If you’ve just bought a new copper bottle or jug, do not consume water from it right away. Instead, clean it using a natural acidic solution. You can also use a mixture of salt and lemon to aid in cleaning the copper container.
3. Optimal Storage: To derive the maximum benefit from water stored in a copper container, keep the water inside the copper vessel for at least 8 hours. You can store this water in a copper container overnight and then consume it in the morning.
4. Avoid Long Storage: Do not store water in a copper container for more than twelve hours.
5. Water Only: Use the copper vessel exclusively for water storage and consumption. Do not store any liquid other than water in it.
6. No Freezing**: Never freeze a copper bottle or jug.
7. **Moderation: Avoid drinking water exclusively from a copper container throughout the day. Excess of anything can be harmful, and the same principle applies to copper usage.
Are There Any Side Effects of Drinking Water from a Copper Jug?
There are no adverse side effects or negative consequences associated with drinking water from a copper vessel if you follow the recommended guidelines.
However, it’s crucial to avoid excessive consumption of copper-infused water throughout the day. A single glass of copper water is more than adequate.
Excessive consumption of copper-infused water can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric (stomach) problems, and headaches. Prolonged excessive intake of copper-based water can cause irreversible damage to your liver.
Important Considerations When Buying a Copper Jug or Bottle
As we’ve discussed, there are various health benefits associated with copper bottles. However, it’s essential to keep these important points in mind when purchasing copper bottles or jugs:
1. Choose 100% Pure Copper: Only purchase copper vessels that are 100% pure. Avoid buying copper vessels mixed with other metals.
2. Opt for a Large Mouth: Select copper vessels with a wide mouth. Copper tends to tarnish over time, so regular cleaning is necessary. A narrow or closed mouth can make it challenging to clean the vessel. A copper vessel with a large mouth can be easily cleaned.
3. Verify Purity: Sometimes, adulterated copper vessels may be falsely advertised as pure. To determine if the copper is genuinely pure, you can perform a simple test. Rub some lemon juice onto the surface of the copper and rinse it off with clean water. If the surface shines like new, it indicates that the copper is pure.
4. Buy from Reputable Sources: Always purchase copper vessels from reputable brands or established offline/online stores.
Follow these guidelines to maximize the benefits of copper bottles without concerns about negative side effects.
Cleaning Your Copper Bottle or Jug
The process of cleaning a copper bottle or jug differs from cleaning ordinary vessels. It’s essential to clean the copper vessel by hand and avoid using dishwasher detergent, as dishwasher detergents can cause oxidation and irreversible damage to the copper.
To clean your copper vessel effectively:
1. Prepare a Salt and Lemon Solution: Mix equal amounts of salt and lemon juice and dilute the mixture by adding water. Use this solution to wash your copper vessel.
2. Avoid Soap or Detergent: Do not use soap, scrubbers, or detergents to clean your copper vessel.
3. Use Hot Water : For optimal cleaning, use hot water inside your copper vessel.
4. Regular Cleaning: Clean your copper vessel twice a week using the lemon and salt solution.
5. Daily Maintenance: If you prefer to clean your copper vessel daily, use a mild cleaning liquid or warm water. You can also apply copper shining powder occasionally to maintain its appearance.
While ancient Indian practices and modern science provide compelling reasons to drink water stored in a copper container, it’s advisable not to overconsume copper-infused water. Enjoy a drink from your copper container occasionally each day to maintain your health naturally.
The guidelines for drinking water, as provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards, specify 0.05 mg/L as a safe limit for copper levels in drinking water, with 1.5 mg/L as the highest allowable amount in the absence of an alternative source of drinking water.