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Ancient Ayurvedic texts already mention storing water in copper and silver jugs for its purification.
This storage process is known to kill all microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria. It is therefore perfectly suitable for drinking purposes.
This ancient view is supported by the results of a recent study, stating that when groundwater with a slightly alkaline pH and contaminated with 500 colony-forming units (CFU) / ml of bacteria was stored for 16 hours in copper vessels at room temperature, all bacteria were killed.
Destruction is reported of diarrhea-causing bacteria such as Vibrio cholerae, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella.
It is also effective against many other disease-causing bacteria, such as Shigella flexneri and Salmonella Paratyphi.
How does it work?
When water is stored for about 16 hours in a copper vessel, copper dissolves into the water in very small amounts.
This process, known in scientific jargon as the “oligodynamic effect”, has the ability, due to its toxic effects on living cells, to destroy a range of molds, fungi, algae and harmful microbes.
A copper content in the water reaching a level of around 190 micrograms / l meets the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and can therefore still be safely drunk.
After 16 hours there is a slight increase in the pH of the water in copper vessels from 7.83 to 7.93, which may slightly change its taste, but its physico-chemical properties remain unchanged.
Stored water – an ideal source of copper
Copper is an essential nutrient that our body needs in an amount of about 1 mg per day. Although it is a trace amount, we must obtain it from food.
Although there are several foods that contain copper, such as whole wheat, legumes, green leafy vegetables, honey and the like, the best way to cover our copper needs is to drink water stored overnight in a copper vessel.
Two liters of water can cover 40% of our daily copper requirement.
Other health benefits of drinking water stored in a copper vessel
Water stored in a copper jug is good for our health and well-being in many ways.
It stimulates the brain, contributes to bone strength, helps digestion, regulates body fat, acts as an anticarcinogenic, regulates thyroid function, prevents joint pain, helps in hemoglobin synthesis, maintains acid-base balance in the body, helps improve fertility and conception, prevents white spots on the skin, helps heal internal wounds and, due to its antioxidant properties, slows aging.
Even if you don’t have a copper jug or vessel at home, you can start with a copper glass. This will slowly acquaint you with the properties of drinking water from copper vessels.
Important note
Some adverse effects may occur in sensitive individuals, such as dizziness, vomiting, headaches and diarrhea. In case of such adverse effects it is better to avoid consuming this water.
Please keep in mind that the quality of the stored water is important (whether it is acidic or alkaline). In addition, it is important to note that the inside of the vessel should be cleaned regularly before use.
This article is for information only. Before starting this or any other diet, please first talk to your doctor.
Before storing water, do not forget to wash the copper vessel with lemon and salt or tamarind. Then pour water into it.
