Copper Water: Benefits, Cautions, and DIY

Ah, the memories of visiting our grandparents, where time seemed to slow down, and every corner of their home held a story. One vivid recollection is the sight of them sipping water from a simple brown glass. As children, we couldn't help but wonder why they chose that particular vessel when clear glasses were readily available.

That brown glass, often hiding a cherished secret, held the key to their well-being. Today, we revisit that age-old practice, not just as a nod to nostalgia but as a testament to the enduring knowledge of our elders—the practice of drinking from copper-infused water vessels.

Copper-infused water, or Copper Water is an emerging trend that nowadays, that promotes the practice of storing drinking water in a copper container or copper water bottle, thereby allowing the water to absorb some of the copper’s properties, which can, in turn, offer potential health benefits.

Many believe that drinking Copper Water has an ancient Indian connection, Certainly it is. However It is not only limited to it. In fact, the history of copper delivering water goes back over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used copper as a conduit material to distribute water around 2150 B.C. The ancient Romans used copper for water pipes and cisterns.

Copper infused water isn’t a beverage available in supermarket, it prepared by keeping the normal drinking water in a copper pot/container for some time. Copper gets infused in water and gains some properties of it, later when this water is consumed, it claims to have several positive benefits.

Benefits of Drinking Copper Water

There are several claimed benefits of drinking copper water. From treating the infection to balancing hypertension, drinking copper water provides many positive benefits.

• 1. Enhances and assist in Digestion:
  
  Copper has an ancient history of stimulating the gastrointestinal tract, and thereby promoting the release of digestive enzymes. This, in turn, aids in the digestion process, potentially reducing issues like indigestion and acidity.
  
  Many previous instances from the history has proved its use for improving digestion and stomach ailments.(ref)
  

• Antimicrobial Properties:
  
  Many researches have proved that Copper possesses natural antimicrobial properties, and therefore used as a water purification or sterilization system. Ancient Ayurveda techniques recommends these methods and have also been in practice in many parts of India.(ref)
  
  These antimicrobial properties of Copper makes it a formidable warrior against harmful microorganisms. Drinking water infused with copper may help in keeping waterborne bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae, Shigella flexneri, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium, that causes diarrhea, at bay.
  
  Storing Water in a Copper water bottle reported an antibacterial effect when storing the water overnight. In contrast, other studies suggest waiting 16–24 hours, or even up to 48 hours.(ref)(ref).
  

• Better Skin Health:
  
  Copper is an essential element known to play a crucial role in the production of collagen, a protein essential for skin health. Ancient Greeks and Roman emperors used to bathe in copper-infused water to enhance their skin and make it glow even brighter. Consuming regular normal water, raisin water or copper water, being hydrated enhances skin glow and therefore makes you look beautiful.
  Hydration along with some more added nutrients provides additional benefits to the skin and improves the overall health.
  As copper-infused water can contribute to our daily copper intake, it may support skin elasticity and maintain a youthful complexion.(ref)(ref)
  

• Boosts Immunity
  
  Copper is an essential mineral that assists the human body in various different ways. One of the most important role Copper plays is making the immune system strong and thereby strengthening the body to fight and resists the foreign It helps in the production of white blood cells (WBCs) in the body, which are crucial for a strong immune system.
  When copper levels are low, your body may struggle to make immune cells. This could drastically reduce your white blood cell count, compromising your body’s ability to combat infection.
  White blood cells help fight infection and are essential for health and well-being. Regular consumption of copper-infused water may aid in bolstering immunity.
  

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
  
  Drinking Copper Infused water helps in soothing arthritis and other joints pains. Copper’s anti-inflammatory properties reduces the ageing by keeping the joints healthy, thus preventing stiffness of joints and providing relief to other joints inflammations . It’s thought to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the body.(ref).
  

• Aids in Weight Management
  
  Copper may play a major role in fat metabolism. It helps the body to break down fats easily and eliminate stored fat at a faster and more efficient rate. Drinking Copper infused water early morning after waking up aids in weight loss and assist in weight management efforts.
  

• Alkalinity Balance
  
  Consuming Copper-infused water helps in maintaining the body’s pH levels, and therefore promoting overall alkalinity.
  pH balance is necessary for the human body as it helps the organ systems of the body to function and perform necessary tasks like oxygenating the blood and aids in digesting food.
  

Watch Out For

Enjoying the potential benefits of copper-infused water can be a positive addition to your wellness routine, but it’s essential to do so mindfully.

Moderation is key, as excessive copper intake can have adverse effects.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than 0.47 mg of copper per cup (2 mg per liter) of water. This ensures that the tolerable upper intake level of 10 mg per day won’t be exceeded. When it comes to water stored in copper containers, even for periods of up to 16 hours, studies show that the amount of leached copper is well below WHO’s safety limits (ref)(ref). Ensure that your copper vessel or source is of high quality and food-grade, and be mindful of the time and temperature of copper-water contact.

Regular cleaning of copper vessels is recommended. If you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.

Keep an eye out for any allergies or sensitivities to copper. And remember, copper is also obtained from dietary sources, so maintaining a balanced diet and having a mindful eating, ensures you don’t exceed recommended copper levels.

By taking these precautions, you can safely embrace the potential benefits of copper-infused water in your daily life.

Do Your Preparation At Home and With Ease

1. Find a Pure Copper Vessel: First things first, you’ll need a trusty copper vessel or bottle. You can snag one from a reliable source.
2. Fill and Wait: Pour water into your copper buddy and let it chill in a cool, dry spot. It’s like copper and water having a quiet chat for about 8 hours (most studies claim for best results, leave it overnight or for more than 12 hours)—no need to rush this one.
3. No Fridge Required: Do not put in the refrigerator or fridge, as it is not needed or nor advised. Leave it simply on the dining table or a shelf and let it rest.
4. Morning Magic: The best moment to sip this copper-infused water is in the morning, on an empty stomach. It’s like a refreshing wake-up call for your body.
5. Don’t Go Overboard: No need to go over the top with this. Sip it twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening, and you’re good to go.
6. Give It a Breather: Like all good things, moderation is key.
   

Remember, it’s all about finding your rhythm and giving your body a gentle nudge towards well-being. Cheers to your copper-infused hydration journey!