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10 Benefits Of Drinking Water From Copper Bottle Vessels

By Dr. Arpit Verma +2 more

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 a sustainable choice and may 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.

copper water benefits

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

When water is stored in a copper vessel or bottle for eight hours or 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, antioxidant and antibacterial properties[5]. It assists in the formation of haemoglobin[10] 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. Here are 10 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[11]. Free radicals and their harmful effects have been significant causes of cancer in the human body. Copper also helps produce Melanin[12], 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[7].

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[10]. Copper deficiency can lead to some types of anaemia.

5. Arthritis and Inflamed Joints

Copper has anti-inflammatory properties[13], which may provide significant relief to patients who have arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is beneficial for healthy bones and joints.

6. Assists in Digestion

Ancient Roman texts talk about prescribing copper-based medicine to kill off germs in the stomach[11]. Ayurveda claims that drinking “Tamra Jal” detoxifies and cleanses the stomach[14]. 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[15] 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[16].

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, helping 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[6].

Copper in the 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.

Truth About Storing Water in Copper Vessels

Claims of Copper’s antimicrobial properties have been documented since ancient times. However, without concrete scientific research, it is difficult to determine whether these claims are fact or a myth of our collective conscience. To bust this myth, Sudha et al. (2012) conducted a series of tests to ascertain the antimicrobial qualities of water. Cultured Cholera bacteria were introduced to water and stored in a copper vessel for over 16 hours. Sudha et al. reported after several more tests that copper does have an antimicrobial property, as they weren’t able to extract any samples of Cholera bacteria from the water stored in the copper vessel, whereas the copper content in the water was within the permissible range by the WHO standards[3]

Another study by the University of South Carolina reported that Copper killed 97% of the bacteria present in ICUs, reducing the risk of contracting hospital-acquired infections by 40%[9]. In June 2016, Natural Chemical Biology published another study proving copper’s key role in burning fat in the human body[8]. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered Copper as the only natural metal with the ability to kill harmful microbes.

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[6]

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)

Will using a copper bottle cause copper toxicity?

Copper Toxicity is caused by using a corroded copper bottle. Copper corrosion can be caused by acidic substances especially food items which are acidic in nature and the softness of the water.

How long should water be stored in a copper bottle?

To maximise its benefits, water should be stored in a copper bottle for 6-8 hours.

Can we store anything else in a copper bottle?

No, only water can be stored in the copper bottle; other substances may have different acidity levels or chemical structures, and copper can react with the same, making it harmful to the human body.

Can we store hot/cold water in the copper bottle?

It is suggested that the water stored in the copper bottle must be at room temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Temperature can play an inverse role in copper.

How to clean Copper Bottles?

Pure copper oxidises when exposed to oxygen and liquids. To remove the oxidation stains, the best way to clean a copper vessel is to scrub it with lemon juice and salt.

Will I taste the copper in the water?

You will not taste the copper in the water. In a copper bottle, the water tastes pure and clean. Over the course of months, you may get a hint of a copper taste, but cleaning the bottle regularly is all you need to do.  

Can lemon juice be stored in copper bottle?

It is recommended that you only store still water in your bottle. Like any other metal, copper could react with acidic liquids (anything with a pH of less than 7) or milk-based fluids. If you want to flavour your water, you can gladly add this to the glass once the copper water has been poured from the bottle.

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/
  5. Chauhan A, Semwal DK, Mishra SP, Semwal RB. Ayurvedic research and methodology: Present status and future strategies. AYU (an International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda). 2015 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Feb 25]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5041382/
  6. Office of Dietary Supplements – Copper. Office of Dietary Supplements. 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 25]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-HealthProfessional/ 
  7. Barve K, Chodankar R. Does copper enhance the antihypertensive effect of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in experimentally induced hypertensive rats? Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Feb 25]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4061593/#abstract1 
  8. Scyang. Copper is key in burning fat. Berkeley Lab News Center. 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 25]. Available from: https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/06/06/fat-burning-copper/ 
  9. Reuters. Copper kills 97 percent of hospital ICU bacteria: study. Reuters. 2011 Jul 1 [cited 2025 Feb 25]. Available from: https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/copper-kills-97-percent-of-hospital-icu-bacteria-study-idUSTRE760318/ 
  10. THE ROLE OF COPPER IN ERYTHROPOIESIS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224294/ 
  11. The Use of Copper as an Antimicrobial Agent in Health Care, Including Obstetrics and Gynecology. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6730497/ 
  12. Copper and Melanin Play a Role in Myxococcus xanthus Predation on Sinorhizobium meliloti. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.00094/full 
  13. Is copper pro- or anti-inflammatory? A reconciling view and a novel approach for the use of copper in the control of inflammation. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8304249/ 
  14. A Review on Tamra Jal or Copperized Water Being Useful in Today’s Lifestyle. Available from: https://www.aiirjournal.com/uploads/Articles/2020/03/4492_26.Dr.Manisha%20Nikam.pdf 
  15. Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4556990/ 
  16. The Role of Copper Homeostasis in Brain Disease. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9698384/

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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