Copper Drinkware: Make Healthy Drinking Your Daily Habit
Copper drinking vessels have reemerged in recent years as a popular choice for drinking water. In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine, drinking water from copper drinking vessels has been praised for its supposed health benefits for thousands of years.
But what are these claims actually based on? Are they based on scientific evidence or more on traditional knowledge? In this article, we delve deeply into the benefits of copper drinking vessels and what science has to say about them.
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According to Ayurveda, drinking water stored in copper drinking vessels, often referred to as "Tamra Jal," can help balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body. Ayurveda suggests that copper has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and alkalizing properties that contribute to a stronger immune system, improved digestion, and overall detoxification of the body.
The claim is that when water is stored in copper drinking vessels for 6-8 hours, it acquires certain properties beneficial to health. This tradition is followed by millions of people worldwide, and there are numerous anecdotal reports of improved health, although it's always important to critically examine the science behind such claims.
The Scientific Basis
While many of the health claims surrounding copper drinking vessels are traditional, there is also some scientific research supporting the benefits of copper in various contexts. Copper is an essential mineral for the human body and plays a role in several physiological processes.
Antimicrobial Properties
One of the most researched benefits of copper is its powerful antimicrobial properties. Several scientific studies have shown that copper can effectively kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that copper surfaces can kill bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus within hours. This contrasts with materials like stainless steel, where bacteria survive much longer.
Another study, conducted by the University of Southampton, found that copper can even neutralize the norovirus , a common cause of food poisoning. This supports the claim that storing water in copper drinking vessels can help purify drinking water from harmful microorganisms.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Copper naturally has anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown that copper deficiency can be associated with inflammation-related diseases such as arthritis. A 2014 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that copper supplements can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
While there is no direct evidence that drinking water from copper drinking vessels relieves arthritis symptoms, maintaining healthy copper levels by regularly drinking water from copper drinking vessels could help reduce inflammation in the body.
Digestive Support
Ayurveda claims that drinking water from copper drinking vessels can help support the digestive system. While there is little specific clinical research on the effect of copper drinking vessels on digestion, we do know that copper plays a vital role in the production of enzymes involved in the breakdown of food in the body.
In addition, copper can aid in the body's absorption of iron, which is essential for red blood cell formation. Studies suggest that a copper deficiency can lead to various problems, including anemia and digestive issues. Therefore, drinking water from copper drinking vessels can help maintain healthy copper levels in the body.
Antioxidant Properties
Copper is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to the aging process, as well as various chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
While more research is needed to directly prove that drinking water from copper drinking vessels enhances the antioxidant activity of copper in the body, it is known that copper plays an important role in the formation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) , an enzyme that functions as one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.
Risks of Excessive Copper Use
While copper is essential for health, it's also important to recognize that too much copper can be harmful. Excessive copper exposure can lead to copper toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, liver or kidney damage.
Fortunately, the risk of copper poisoning from drinking water from copper drinking vessels is very small. The amount of copper that leaches into the water is minimal, especially if you maintain the drinking vessels properly and don't use them for acidic beverages like citrus juices, which can corrode copper and release more of it into the liquid.
To stay safe, it's advisable to clean copper drinking vessels every few days with lemon and salt to remove oxidation. This prevents unwanted buildup of copper particles in the water you drink.
Conclusion: Is it worth using copper drinking vessels?
Copper drinking vessels have a rich historical background and have been used in Ayurvedic tradition for centuries for their supposed health benefits. Modern science supports some of these benefits, particularly copper's antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
While the long-term, direct effects of drinking from copper drinking vessels require further study, their use appears safe and potentially beneficial, especially when it comes to improving water quality. As long as you maintain the drinking vessels properly and don't overuse them for other drinks, it can be a simple and natural way to reap the benefits of copper.
For those looking for a natural way to keep their water pure and support their health, drinking from copper drinking vessels appears to be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
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