The Truth About Storing Water in Copper Vessels- Debunking The Myths
Storing water in copper vessels has been an ancient health practice in Eastern countries for centuries. Most Eastern civilizations, such as East Indians, can give an account of how their grandparents would store water in copper vessels overnight. Then, drink the stored water first thing in the morning. Did they know something we don't know? Why did they choose to store water in copper vessels, such as an Ayurveda Copper Lota? Before we feed our curiosity, let's debunk a few myths that come with the term "copper."
Naturally occurring elements
First of all, let us try and understand what copper is. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, copper is an element that occurs naturally in the Earth's layer and water bodies. Copper compounds are found in Copper (II) salts (Environmental Protection Agency, 2017). Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. It helps with the formation of collagen, increases the absorption of iron and plays a role in energy production.
Debunking the Myths
One of the myths that we hear about copper is that it is poisonous and is bad for us. Well, on the contrary, according to Julie Casper, copper is an element that is essential for our enzyme systems. Enzyme systems are credited for various metabolic processes that are crucial to the sustenance of life (Casper, 2017). Copper is necessary for an overall healthy lifestyle, as this mineral enables a normal metabolic process in association with amino acids and vitamins. Copper cannot be produced within the body and therefore needs to be added from external sources.
Ancestors from Eastern civilizations stored water in copper vessels to kill bacteria. Many developing countries did not have water purifiers as we do now. They had to find a way to kill bacteria in the water before drinking it. Copper vessels were one of those ways. The Oligodynamic effects of copper not only cleansed the water but also ionized it with nutrients. Today’s water purifying systems tend to strip water of most healthful nutrients.
According to an experiment carried out by (NCBI), tap- water inoculated with diarrhoeagenic bacteria was stored in two different containers: glass containers, and copper containers. They let the water sit for 16 hours, and later tested the bacterial level in each container. Allowing the water time to sit for extended hours, allowed the copper to lightly penetrate into the water. They detected levels of bacteria in the glass containers but did not find any in the copper vessels. In fact, new bacterial growth was detected in the glass containers, but none was detected in the copper ones (Nutr, 2012). When copper leaches into the water, it not only purifies the water but charges the water with its positive properties.
With the above evidence provided, one question remains: what truly causes copper toxicity? There have been cases where people have experienced copper toxicity. Hearing these stories, people are quick to conclude that copper is bad. But, what is the whole story?
According to Julie Casper(2017), most copper toxicity cases has been traced to drinking water from corroded copper pipes. The corrosion of the pipes takes place due to the acidity and softness of the water. She adds that cooking acidic foods in copper pans or pots can also contribute to the toxicity of copper (Casper, 2017).
Speaking of corroded pipes, over the last few years lead has been used because of its non-corrosion properties. However, the use of lead to avoid corrosion in drinking water has become illegal in many countries, due to the poisonous nature of lead. Lead is harmful whether ingested or inhaled. Unfortunately, there are still some pipes that still have been coated with lead, causing the death of millions (Lead Poisoning). So, many countries are now returning to copper pipes once again- newer, more durable, safer grades of copper, which are monitored and replaced over time.
Lifestyle decisions also contribute to copper toxicity. A good example is some forms of female contraceptives. Certain female contraceptives have been linked to a rise in copper levels in the body, leading to poisoning and toxicity (Casper, 2017).
Now that we have debunked some of the myths, let's look at some of the health benefits that come with drinking water from copper vessels.
Benefits of Drinking Water from Copper Vessels
Aids In Weight Loss
Lifestyle diseases have increased over the decades and are affecting the physical health of millions around the world. In the United States, obesity is one of the top lifestyle diseases, affecting children and adults.
Drinking water from a copper vessel can aid in weight reduction. The copper properties help speed up metabolism and create energy for fat burning.
Increase in Iron Levels
An interesting fact about copper is that it helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Moreover, copper helps maintain the levels of iron in our blood, as well as regulate the flow of blood. This can specifically help people living with anemia, helping keep anemia and its symptoms at bay, for a normal functioning lifestyle.
Slows Down Aging
Why do we need copper for our skin? Harsh environmental factors such as air and water pollution and even UV rays harm our skin. Some environmental factors are so harsh that they begin to corrode the outer layers that protect our skin. This is where copper comes in. Copper helps in the creation of collagen and melanin and aids in replenishing the outer layers of our skin. Coppers anti- oxidant and anti- inflammatory properties keeps the skin looking younger and more vibrant.
Aids in Proper Digestion
Let's face it, digestive problems have become part of our daily living. Bloating, constipation and everything in-between continues to bother us and interfere with our normal daily activities. These digestive problems are extremely uncomfortable and can be embarrassing. Here's the good news; copper contains properties that stimulate the contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles. This movement of stomach muscles aids in the proper movement of digested food. These anti- inflammatory properties also reduce various stomach infections by destroying harmful bacteria.
According to Ayurveda, drinking water stored in copper vessels, such as the Copper Water Bottle, or a Copper Water Cup every morning upon rising detoxifies and cleanses your digestive system. This will increase the absorption and intake of nutrients much more effectively throughout the day.
Casper, J. (2017, April 20). Copper Toxicity and Self-evaluation. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from Nutritional Balancing.org: http://nutritionalbalancing.org/center/htma/science/articles/copper-toxicity.php
Environmental Protection Agency. (2017, March 29). Retrieved April 20, 2017, from Aquatic Life Criteria: https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-criteria-copper
Lead Poisoning. (N.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2017, from Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering: Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
Nutr, J. H. (2012, March 12). NCBI. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from Storing Drinking Water in Copper Pots Kills Contaminating Diarrhoeagenic Bacteria: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312355/