In these days of modern technology, we rarely, if ever, would dare to drink water directly from the tap or a pond as we are aware that it is unsafe due to the presence of disease causing bacteria, viruses and so on. In order to make water fit enough to drink, today we have UV filters and RO purifiers. In such a world, speaking of drinking water stored in copper vessel might sound anachronistic. Nevertheless, one quick look about the science behind storage of water in copper vessel and its benefits might be educative. Let us explore benefits of drinking copper vessel water.
Storage kills microbes in water
Storing water in copper and silver pots for purification of water finds mention in ancient texts of Ayurveda. The storage process is known to kill all the micro-organisms that includes virus and bacteria. Thus making it perfectly fit for the drinking purpose. This ancient view is supported from the results of recent research which states that when ground-water with a slightly alkaline pH and contaminated with 500 colony forming units (CFU)/mL of bacteria was stored in copper pots for 16 hours at room temperature, all bacteria were killed. It is reported to destroy diarrhea causing bacteria, such as Vibrio cholerae, enteropathogenic E. coli, Salmonella. It is also effective against many other disease-causing bacteria such as, S. flexneri and Salmonella Paratyphi.
How does it work?
When water is stored in a copper vessel for about 16 hours, copper, in very small quantities gets dissolved in water. This process, known in scientific parlance as the “oligodynamic effect” has the power to destroy a wide range of molds, fungi, algae and harmful microbes due to its toxic effects on living cells. The copper content of water which reaches levels of about 190 µg/l is well within the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization and thus remains safe for drinking. After 16 hours, a slight increase in the pH of water from 7.83 to 7.93 occurs in copper pots due to which the taste of water might change a little while the physicochemical parameters remain unchanged.
Stored water- An ideal source of copper
Copper is an essential micronutrient required by our body at a level of about 1mg/day. Though it is a trace amount, it has to come from our food. Although there are several food items containing copper such as whole wheat, beans, green leafy vegetables, honey etc, the best method of meeting the body’s need of copper is by taking water stored overnight in a copper vessel. Two liters of the water can supply 40% of our daily requirement of copper.
Other health benefits drinking stored copper vessel water
Water stored in a copper jug is good in many ways for our health and well being. It stimulates the brain, promotes bone strength, aids in digestion , regulates body fat, acts as anti-carcinogenic, regulates functioning of thyroid gland, prevents joint pain, aids in hemoglobin synthesis, maintains acid-alkaline balance in body, helps in improving fertility and conception, prevents white patches on skin, helps in healing of internal wounds and slows down aging due to its antioxidant property.
Even if you do not have a copper vessel or copper container at home. You can just start with copper tumbler. This way, you can get slowly introduced to the properties of drinking water from copper containers.
Important Note:
some adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache and diarrhea could occur in sensitive individuals. In the event of such adverse reactions, it is better to avoid its use. Please remember, the quality of stored water (Acidic or alkaline) also matters. Besides,it is important to note that the interior of the vessel must be cleaned regularly before use”
This Article is for the information purpose only. Before you start this or any diet please talk with the your physician first.
Before storing the water, Remember to wash the copper vessel with lemon and salt or tamarind and dry it , then store the water.
Here is a link for list of good quality copper vessels that can be purchased online
