15 Benefits Of Drinking Water From Copper Bottle Vessels

Introduction

Drinking water is crucial for our health, but have you ever wondered if the way you store it could make a difference? Copper vessels are not just a sustainable choice but may also support your wellness in many ways. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of drinking water from copper bottles and vessels and why this age-old tradition might be the perfect addition to your daily routine (unless advised otherwise by a doctor).

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only, and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

Benefits of Drinking Water Stored in Copper Bottles and Copper Vessels:

When water is stored in a copper vessel or bottle for eight hours more, copper releases some of its ions in the water through a process called the Oligodynamic effect. Copper is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. It assists in the formation of haemoglobin as well as cell regeneration, and unfortunately, the human body cannot create the trace amounts of copper it requires to function healthily. Therefore, copper has to be a part of our intake either through food or water, but the human body benefits in several other ways from the presence of copper. Here are 12+ health benefits of drinking water from a copper bottle:

1. Antioxidant Benefits:

Copper is a known antioxidant, which means it fights off free radicals and negates their adverse effects. Free radicals and their harmful effects have been significant causes of cancer in the human body. Copper also helps produce Melanin, which gives colour to skin and eyes and protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Based on my observations, three enzymes are required in mammals to produce pigment in skin cells. These enzymes help determine the colour of our skin. One of these enzymes is a copper enzyme. Thus, optimal copper levels in our body might help avoid pale skin.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

2. Balances Blood Pressure:

According to the studies, Copper plays a supportive role in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels^[4]. If copper deficiency has existed since childhood, it leads to the development of hypotension. However, if adults suffer from copper deficiency, they may develop hypertension. Therefore, trace amounts of copper are critical for regulating a person’s blood pressure.

3. Supports the Functioning of Thyroid Gland:

Studies show a positive correlation between adequate copper levels and thyroid function^[1]. While lack of copper may contribute to thyroid gland malfunction, it is also true that too much copper also causes thyroid gland dysfunction causing hyper or hypothyroidism among patients.

4. Anaemia:

Copper is a trace element but plays a role in forming haemoglobin. Copper deficiency can lead to some types of anaemia.

5. Arthritis and Inflamed Joints:

Copper has anti-inflammatory properties, which may provide significant relief to patients who have arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is beneficial for healthy bones and joints.

I recommend drinking water from copper bottles because of its numerous benefits. Some research suggests that low copper levels in our blood might be related to premature hair greying. Can you believe it? So, it’s essential to ensure we have enough copper in our bodies to keep our hair looking fabulous!

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

6. Assists in Digestion:

Ancient Roman texts talk about prescribing copper-based medicine to kill off germs in the stomach. Ayurveda claims that drinking” Tamra Jal” detoxifies and cleanses the stomach. Copper also has properties that stimulate peristalsis (rhythmic expansion and contraction of the stomach lining), reduce the inflammation of the stomach lining and assist in better digestion. Copper is an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers, indigestion and stomach infections.

7. Skin Ageing:

Ancient Egyptians used a lot of copper-based beautifying agents. Several skincare products these days are copper-based because copper is not only an antioxidant but also assists cell regeneration and up-regulates the production of collagen and elastins, which may reduce the early appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Brain and Nervous System

The human brain interacts with the rest of the body through electrical impulses. Copper helps the cells communicate, carrying out these impulses and making the brain work much more efficiently.

9. Aids in Healing Wounds Faster:

Copper exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties^[2]. In addition, copper assists skin regeneration and strengthens the immune system, helping the body heal wounds faster.

10. Keeps the Temperature of the Body on the Cooler Side

When you drink water from a copper bottle, water becomes slightly alkaline upon storage for a couple of hours. This alkaline water helps to balance the acids, detoxify the system and lower the body’s temperature. This is especially helpful during the hot summer months when the body tends to heat up.

If you ever come across drinking water that tastes metallic or bitter, you should avoid consuming it. This is because it could indicate elevated copper levels, which may surpass the recommended health guideline value of 2 mg/L. To stay safe, it’s best not to drink water with a metallic or bitter taste to save us from worrying about any potential health concerns associated with excessive copper content.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Copper Applications in Health & Environment:

Copper is a hero as far as its benefits are considered, not just to the human body but to the environment, too. It is a cheap metal, available in abundance and easiest to recycle. There are several benefits of copper; here are some to our health and our environment at large.

Copper in Health

A healthy human body requires trace amounts of copper to function effectively. Copper helps generate heat in the human body, aiding communication between different cells, breaking down certain foods to become haemoglobin and boosting our metabolism. Copper deficiency leads to health issues like anaemia, parasitic infections, and leaky gut. Foods rich in copper include sunflower seeds, lentils, dried apricots, and mushrooms, among others.

Copper in Environment

Copper is the friendliest metal for the environment. A good conductor of heat and electricity, it is cheap and easy to recycle, making it the greenest natural metal. Copper is ideal for making solar panels.

Copper is also the future of nanotechnology. It is interesting to note that leading IT companies use copper to make the most powerful computer chips available. In the past few years, copper has been used for bioleaching, a process by which mineral ores are extracted from their sulphide ores with the help of elements present in the environment. Copper also plays a vital role in managing hazardous nuclear fuel waste.

Drinking Water from A Copper Bottle, Correctly and Safely:

Despite all the benefits of copper, one must remember that copper is only required in trace amounts in the human body. One must also not forget that excess of anything could also become harmful, especially if we are discussing the delicate balance of human chemistry. Water makes up to 75% of our anatomy. However, one cannot keep on drinking water stored in a copper vessel all day and every day. Here are a few tips on drinking water from a copper vessel correctly and safely:

• Buy a vessel or bottle made of pure copper. 
• Fill the bottle with water and store it in a cool, dry place overnight or for 8 hours.
• Do not refrigerate the bottle.
• The best time to drink water stored in a copper bottle is on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Do not overdo it; Drinking water stored in a copper bottle twice a day (morning and evening) is more than enough to provide your body with the necessary amount of copper.
• Take breaks from drinking water stored in a copper bottle. For example, after regularly drinking water stored in a copper bottle for two months, take a month-long break. This allows the body to flush out the extra copper.
• Excessive intake of copper can be harmful to your body. Copper toxicity can be severe. 

History of Copper Vessels and Mugs:

Although ancient societies didn’t know much about bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, Copper is mentioned in nearly all ancient medical texts. Ancient texts record the benefits and various uses of copper. Ancient Ayurvedic texts claim that drinking water from a copper vessel cures the body’s three doshas, namely, Vata, Pitha, and Kapha, by positively charging the water. Water stored in a copper vessel for 6-8 hours was known as Tamra Jal.

Conclusion

Drinking water from a copper bottle or vessel may bring you certain health benefits. Most of these benefits are not backed by science. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of this water can help support your immune system, aid digestion, and promote good skin health. By incorporating the use of copper vessels to store water, you’re tapping into an age-old tradition and providing your body with a natural boost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There have been several arguments against using copper vessels for storing water and intaking the same. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about using copper bottles to store water:

References

1. Zhou Q, Xue S, Zhang L, Chen G. Trace elements and the thyroid. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) [Internet]. 2022 Oct 24;13. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9637662/
2. Sudha VP, Ganesan S, Pazhani G, Ramamurthy T, Nair G, Venkatasubramanian P. Storing Drinking-water in Copper pots Kills Contaminating Diarrhoeagenic Bacteria. Journal of Health Population and Nutrition [Internet]. 2012 Jul 17 [cited 2023 Oct 10];30(1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3312355/
3. Rai PK, Lee SS, Zhang M, Tsang YF, Kim KH. Heavy metals in food crops: Health risks, fate, mechanisms, and management. Environment International [Internet]. 2019 Jun [cited 2023 Oct 10];125:365–385. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22524115/
4. DiNicolantonio JJ, Mangan D, O’Keefe JH. Copper deficiency may be a leading cause of ischaemic heart disease [Internet]. Open Heart. 2018 Oct 1;5(2):e000784. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6196933/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for  educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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