Back to Basics: How Drinking from Copper Vessels Might Boost Your Health

Turns out, it's not just water that holds amazing benefits for our bodies; it's also about the vessel we use. Studies on drinking water from copper containers have found some amazing benefits:

Copper possesses properties that stimulate the digestive system and aid digestion. When water 'rests' in a copper vessel, it absorbs the copper, and when ingested, it assists in producing digestive enzymes and bile essential for breaking down food. Copper also has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the water.

Copper also has anti-inflammatory properties, and regularly consuming water stored in copper vessels can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Those who swear by this method of drinking water from copper vessels are often practitioners of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine. Followers of this method suggest drinking two cups of water from a copper vessel daily—preferably in the morning. "Drinking copper water in the morning gives you a metabolism boost," explains a dedicated follower, an elderly Indian doctor. The vessel she uses to store her copper water is a Tamba, and she advises, "Water should be left in the vessel for at least four hours before drinking."

She also states that this water fights free radicals in the body, as copper is a 'natural antioxidant.' "We believe that copper water provides a long list of benefits, such as healthy skin. Copper plays a crucial role in producing collagen, which maintains skin elasticity, and regular copper water consumption contributes to keeping skin young and healthy."

However, this trend is controversial due to the fact that the human body requires only a small amount of copper (about 0.9 mg per day), which can easily be obtained from a balanced diet that includes whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and even dark chocolate.

So, like with any health trend, you know the rule: approach with caution, and consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle. If you decide to go for it, "don't forget to regularly clean the copper vessel to prevent contamination," warns the Indian doctor.