Living a modern life has gingerly diverted us to steel, glass, and non-stick cookware but Ayurvedic benefits still lie in that old-school utensils either for cooking or to eat. Copper, often proclaimed as the “Jewellery of Kitchen” has embellished both the kitchenware and technological instruments for decades. But, often the thought arise in our mind that is copper utensils good for health? This article will lead you to various benefits of copper utensils in our day-to-day lives.
Ayurveda and Relevance of Copper:
Ayurvedic metals like copper have significant properties to hold onto the nutritional value of the food and that is the reason it is recommended to use cookware and utensils made out of copper. Copper usage is widely supported by Ayurveda, the oldest and trusted form of health care and life science. For kapha type people (susceptible to weight gain, coughs, and congestion), copper plays a trump card. Since copper is connected with the sun and fire, Ergo, it increases Agni (Fire) in the body which leads to increased metabolic rate. Copper is proved to be one of the best metals for storing and cooking rice in ultimate freshness as each grain is separately cooked. Drinking water that has been stored in a copper utensil overnight is an emerging trend and is no more a fad as there are significant benefits of drinking water in copper vessels.
Benefits of Copper Vessels and Drinking Copper Enriched Water
Copper is widely known for its health benefits and enjoys a prominent reference in the ancient Ayurveda. And now, not only the Indians but also the western world is embracing copper-infused water for good health. Here are some key benefits of consuming copper-enriched water.
Now, let us understand some major copper benefits for health.
Ideal for weight loss:
Nowadays, the problem of obesity has marked to the high pick. Each and every day, thousands of tricks and tips are available and found in the internet. But, the fact is the solutions to this cause are deep rooted in copper as well. There are ample of rewards to use copper for weight loss if is consumed appropriately.
The copper-enriched water strengthens the digestion system and can help you lose weight naturally. Consuming copper-enriched water helps effectively break down body fat, which promotes weight loss without much exercise. For best copper water benefits, consume copper-rich water on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.
Anti-aging properties:
As we age, our face shows signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness of skin. Copper-enriched water is a strong antioxidant and has anti-aging properties. Drinking helps in combating the free radicals and slows down the aging process naturally.
Reduces hypertension and keeps the heart healthy:
As per the American Cancer Society, copper helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Copper-enriched water helps fight the bad cholesterol in our body and reduces hypertension.
Beats Anemia:
Anemia is caused due by the deficiency of iron in the blood. Consuming copper-infused water helps increase the iron level in our body. The right amount of copper in our body boosts the iron absorption power of our blood cells, lowering the chances of anemia.
Ideal for thyroid glands:
Thyroid issues are common across a wide range of the population today. Drinking copper-infused water can regulate the level of thyroid secretion in our body. The mineral copper activates the thyroid gland and maintains healthy TSH levels in the blood. However, there should be a balanced consumption of copper instead of overconsumption for the sound functioning of the body. And one best way to do so is to consume water stored in copper vessels.
Enhances skin health and aids Melanin Production:
Copper is the magic formula for promoting great skin health. The mineral contributes to streamlining the melanin production in our bodies. Melanin is a pigment that prevents greying of hair; helps maintains supple and soft skin. Drinking copper-enriched water boosts skin regeneration.
Relieves from Arthritis and Joints Pain:
Copper is widely appreciated for its anti-inflammatory properties. So, if you are suffering from joint pain and inflammation, consuming water from the copper vessel can help relieve pain.
Immunity Booster:
Copper has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking copper-enriched water strengthens the immune system and helps in the quicker healing of external wounds and internal infections.
Improves Digestion:
When drinking water is stored in the copper vessel, the water slowly absorbs the mineral. The consumption of copper-infused water increases the metabolism rate and promotes digestive system health. The mineral-rich water helps in the faster breakdown of food particles and the healthy functioning of the digestive system. The water also helps in combating bacteria responsible for infections and stomach ulcers and supports the various benefits of copper utensils.
Brain Stimulator:
The copper-infused water mixes with the enzymes of the body and benefits the brain. Copper-rich enzymes accelerate the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain. The process helps in stimulating the brain and faster response between the brain cells. Cooper enables the brain to work faster and more efficiently. According to the research paper “Storing Drinking-water in Copper pots Kills Contaminating Diarrhoeagenic Bacteria” also suggests copper has anti-convulsive properties that prevent the formation of seizures in the brain (V. B. Preethi sudha et al, 2012).
There are several ways you can grow herbs and plants at your own home that can be useful as natural medications. To learn more about that let us have look into the below link.
Is Copper Vessels bad for health?
The simple answer is yes if food is not consumed carefully. It is contrary that everything comes with few goods and bad qualities. There are certain precautions and practice which should be avoided or else it can cause you a trouble. But, here question arises under which situation the restriction should be applied and why?
When should you not use copper utensils?:
Unfortunately, the few measures and care must be taken before storing or eating food from the copper utensils. In other words, it becomes necessary to know that in which circumstances it’s not safe to use copper vessel?
First and foremost, the unlined copper vessels should not be used. It is always advisable to cooked food inlined vessel from inner side with steel in order to resist the over-consumption of the copper which causes stomach and digestion issues. . Also, in case food burns and stick in the pan then the same pan should not be utilised as it increases the risk of excessive consumption of copper.
In addition to this, the acidic food should not be stored in the copper bottles as acid and salt reacts with copper and cause poisoning effect. It is unsafe to preserve lemon, salt, pickle, curd or any such food with acidic nature.
Moreover, if you have children and infant at your home then it is strictly suggested not to cook their food in copper as it results in inflammation to them.
Natural Ways for Copper Intake
Here are some natural ways to up your copper intake which directs the copper water benefits.
What happens when we drink water from copper vessel?:
If one of your resolutions is to drink more water and have fabulous skin and body consider purchasing a reusable water bottle. With an ever-expanding spectrum of choices to pick from some suggest their bottles come with a wide variety of health benefits. Lay your hand on copper water bottles, a bit pricey option but lasts for decades. Undoubtedly, copper water benefits in many ways. One should adopt such habit which eventually leads to copper bottle benefits. Not only this, but enjoying morning and evening coffees in copper mugs are the best self treat to cover the benefits of drinking from copper cups and stay healthy.
With this discussion of mugs and cups, do you ever wonder what the benefits are of to store tea and coffee in our kitchen and in our life? You can read the below link to study in detail.
Copper Kadhais/Handis:
Copper is one of the best materials to cook food in. The material is one of the best conductors of heat and hence has been in Indian homes for many generations. Kadhais made of copper warm up quickly and stays warm for a long time. The material also helps in an even distribution of heat, which means uniform cooking, without the worry of burning. Choose a copper kadhai and copper handi for making tasty meals, which is quick and nutritious.
Copper Water Dispensers:
Drinking water enriched with copper has unmatched benefits. You may choose to buy a copper water dispenser, to store drinking water. Dispensers nowadays come with a sturdy stand, and taps making them very convenient to use. Dispensers come in a variety of sizes. Most 5-liter capacity dispensers are sufficient for small nuclear families.
In crux, Copper has numerous health benefits. Copper succors in detoxification of the body, increases hemoglobin, aid the digestion system, braces the brain to improve its functions, and reduces inflammation in joints. Copper assists in maintaining good metabolism. Even the most modern water purifiers are using copper metal for making the storage unit. Make copper your lifestyle choice. Select from a variety of copper vessels available in the market today for a long and healthy life.
However, if you are worried about how to organize your kitchen and preserve all the utensils; check the below link.
Conclusion
Isn’t it interesting that our ancient heritage things have loud supremacy power outlooks which can increase our living standard by making our health better? I am sure& hoping that this article would become life-saving for a huge bunch of people as there are very common and known yet ignored facts related to the advantages of copper vessels are highlighted& discussed above. The benefits of copper utensils are not restricted at all. The bundle of history and its advantages is similar to a space to explore. Here is an urge that we all should choose copper which is a gift of our nature and improve our well-being.
Besides this, copper antiques are used to decorate the home and give the interior an aesthetic look. To know more about the antiques that you can add to increase the decor appearance of your home, you can refer to the below link.
Also, similar to copper, Brass is also such a multipurpose and has vast range of applications. To know more about the properties of brass, do follow the below links.
Image Courtesy: Image 8, Image 10
Author Bio
Anshu Sachdeva – Anshu Sachdeva is the founder and business head of boutique research and content firm based out of India. She has over ten years of corporate experience in consulting and research. She holds a masters degree in business management and is passionate about the application of research to do business faster, better, cheaper.