Having a glass of water early in the morning is one of the healthy habits. To have enhanced health benefit, it is good to start your day with a glass of water stored in copper vessel. Store the water overnight in the copper vessel and drink it on the empty stomach for amazing health advantage. In India, since ancient days we are using copper vessels for storing food and water.
HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE OF USING COPPER
Researchers say that the copper has been in use for more than 11,000 years. The first metal age of India is called Chalcolithic Age as it used copper along with stone. It is also known as Stone- Copper Age. In India, Copper is the primary option in holy rituals for storing pious water and also used in cooking.
Our traditional Ayurveda recommends drinking water stored in copper vessels regularly to enhance the antibodies in your body and to balance the three body doshas – vata,kapha and pitta.
Storing water in copper vessels seems to have natural anti oxidant and anti bacterial properties which kills harmful bacteria. The water must be stored for at least six to eight hours for it to work.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
In the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, studies were published on the effect of storing water in a copper pot. Researchers stored water contaminated with bacteria in a copper pot for 16 hours at room temperature. After 16 hours of water storage, the scientists were unable to find any bacteria from the water. It was also found that pH level of water had increased, which means the water had naturally become more alkaline. Alkaline water is generally accepted to be beneficial for health.
Natural Chemical Biology published a study which states that Copper plays a key role in burning fat in the human body.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER FROM A COPPER VESSEL
INCREASES ANTI OXIDANTS IN THE BODY
The water stored in a copper vessel for eight hours or more, copper free some of its ions in the water, through the Oligodynamic process. Hence copper is proved to have anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties.
REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL
Taking water from the copper vessel found to regulate the blood pressure and heart rate. It also lower the increased cholesterol levels and helps to dilate the blood vessels and enhances good flow of blood to the heart.
ENHANCES FUNCTIONING OF THYROID GLAND
Copper deficiency leads to improper functioning of thyroid gland. Thus water stored in copper vessel when taken regularly promotes the thyroid gland to function well and prevents causing hyper or hypothyroidism among patients.
GOOD FOR SKIN
Copper which acts as an effective antioxidants, aids cell regeneration and helps to fight off skin wrinkles and age related fine lines. It helps in melanin production which helps to fight various skin problems.
ENHANCES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Healthy immune system is essential to fight with various diseases in our body. Copper activates our immune system and helps our body to combat various diseases. It improves the body metabolism.
BOOSTS BRAIN FUNCTON
Copper aids the cells interfacing with each other by carrying out electrical impulses, which makes the brain function more efficiently.
TREATS ARTHRITIS
The anti inflammatory properties in copper help to treat arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflamed joints.
HOW TO CLEAN COPPER VESSEL?
LEMON SALT
Cut a lemon in half and add salt to the cut side and gently clean the copper vessel.
VINEGAR AND SALT
Mix a tablespoon salt with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and apply this mixture over the copper vessel and wash thoroughly with water.
TAKE IT IN MODERATION
Too much of copper in drinking water results negative health effects like vomit,nausea and diarrhea. It may also result in liver and kidney problems.
Don’t keep the copper bottle in the refrigerator and it is recommended to drink lukewarm water or at room temperature.
Too much of copper can be toxic. It is recommended not to consume more than the limit of 2mg of copper per litre of water. It is not needed to take water from a copper bottle for the whole day. One or two glasses in the morning and in the evening or before bed are sufficient for the day.
Avoid adding lemon juice or a slice of lime in your copper water bottle or vessel due to the acidic reaction of lemon with copper.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Copper plays a key role in our body health. Drinking water from a copper vessel is good for heart, boosts body metabolism, promote thyroid gland function and healthy skin. It is important to take it in moderation or recommended limit.
Nurturing yourself is not selfish – it’s essential to your survival and your well-being.