‘Drink water from a copper vessel to reap its numerous health benefits.’ If you grew up in India, chances are you got this piece of advice from a grandparent, yogi, doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner.
Copper is an essential trace mineral that is vital to human health. Our bodies cannot synthesize copper. We need to get it from dietary sources.
According to Ayurveda, drinking copper-enriched water in the morning on an empty stomach helps balance all three Doshas (Kapha, Vata, and Pitta). This also ensures proper functioning of different organs and several metabolic processes.
When water is stored in a copper vessel, the copper gently imbues the water with all its positive properties. The best part about this water is that it does not become stale and can be stored this way for long periods of time. Here are 12 reasons why drinking water from a copper vessel is beneficial for you:
#1 Helps the digestive system perform better
Acidity, gas or simply the inability to digest certain foods is common and here is where copper comes to your rescue. Copper has properties that stimulate peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the stomach that helps food get digested and move along the digestive tract), kill harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation within the stomach, making it a great remedy for ulcers, indigestion and infections.
Copper also helps cleanse and detox your stomach, regulate the working of your liver and kidneys, and proper elimination of waste and ensures the absorption of nutrients from food. According to Ayurveda, if you want to detox your stomach, drink a large glass of water that has been stored in a copper vessel, early in the morning on an empty stomach.
#2 Aids in weight loss
#3 Helps heal wounds faster
Known for its immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, copper is a great tool for healing wounds quickly. Apart from that, copper is also known to strengthen your immune system and aid in the production of new cells. But its healing properties don’t cease with helping the body externally; copper is also known to help wounds within the body, especially the stomach.
#4 Slows down ageing
If you are worried about the appearance of fine lines on your face, copper is your natural remedy. Packed with very strong anti-oxidant and cell forming properties, copper fights off free radicals, one of the main reasons for the formation of fine lines. Copper also helps in the production of new and healthy skin cells that replace old dying ones. Both these properties make copper a sure-fire way to beat fine lines.
#5 Helps maintain cardiovascular health and beats hypertension
Heart disease is one of the most common ailments and copper helps minimize your risk of developing the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, copper has been found to help regulate blood pressure, heart rate and lowers one’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also helps prevent the accumulation of plaque and has the documented effect of dilating blood vessels to allow better flow of blood to the heart. It also helps lower one’s triglyceride levels.
#6 Can fight cancer
Another disease that is quickly becoming extremely common, cancer, can be debilitating for both the patient and their family. How does copper help? Well, copper has very strong antioxidant properties that helps fight off free radicals and negate their ill effects – one of the main reasons for the development of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the exact mechanism of how copper helps prevent the onset of cancer is still not known but some studies have shown that copper complexes have a considerable anti-cancer effect.
#7 Can kill bacteria
Copper is known to be oligodynamic in nature (the sterilizing effect of metals on bacteria), and can destroy bacteria very effectively. It is especially effective against E.coli and S.aureus, two bacteria that are commonly found in our environment and known to cause severe illnesses in the human body. Known to help prevent common water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and jaundic, copper has been touted as the cheapest solution to cleaning water in countries that do not have a good sanitation system. So, if you fear that your water may be contaminated, store it in a copper vessel before your drink it and be rest assured, you will be drinking healthy and clean water.
#8 Stimulates your brain
Our brain works by transmitting impulses (or orders) from one neuron to another through an area known as the synapses. These neurons are covered by a sheath called the myelin sheath that acts like a sort of conductive agent – helping the flow of impulses. How does copper figure here, you ask? Well, copper actually helps in the synthesis of phospholipids that are essential for the formation of these myelin sheaths. Thereby, making your brain work much faster and more efficiently. Apart from that, copper is known to have brain stimulant and anti-convulsive properties (prevents seizures), that do a world of good for your brain.
#9 Regulates the working of the thyroid gland
Experts say that one commonality amongst people with thyroid diseases is that they usually have low levels of copper in their body. While this is most commonly seen in people with hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone), those with hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone) may also suffer from this deficiency. Copper is one of the most important trace minerals the thyroid gland needs to function optimally. A lack in copper can send the functioning of the gland out of sync. So when you drink water from a copper vessel. it makes up for this possible deficiency and regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland.
#10 Beats arthritis and inflamed joints
Copper has very potent anti-inflammatory properties. This asset is especially great to relieve aches and pains caused due to inflamed joints – like in the case of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from that, copper also has bone and immune system strengthening properties, making it the perfect remedy for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is where drinking water infused with copper is a great option for relief from aches and pains of these diseases.
#11 Skin health and melanin production
Copper is the main component in the production of melanin (a pigment that mitigates the colour of your eyes, hair and skin) in our bodies. Apart from that copper also aids in the production of new cells that help replenish the top most layers of your skin. While melanin helps the body stay safe from sun damage, speeds up wound healing and covers up scars, the production of new cells is a boon for smooth, blemish-free and clear skin. Ayurveda experts say that drinking this water on a regular basis, especially early in the morning, can make a huge difference to your skin.
#12 Beats anaemia
The most amazing fact about copper is that it is required in most processes that occur in our body. Right from cell formation to aiding in the absorption of iron, copper is an essential mineral for the functioning of your body. This is one of the reasons that it also helps in keeping anaemia at bay. An essential component in the entire process of absorbing and using iron present in the body, copper helps keep the levels of haeme (iron) up and regulates its flow in your blood vessels.
