Myth or Fact: Is Copper Water Actually Beneficial For Your Health?

Have you noticed the sudden rise of the planet of the copper bottles? Are you as surprised by it as I am? Well then, let’s dive into it together, shall we?

Copper has always been famous for its antimicrobial properties and a lot of people swear by drinking water stored in copper bottles or vessels. According to them, it aids in digestion, boosts immunity and promotes skin health.

But is that the whole picture? You just drink water from a metal bottle and forget about heath insurance? As much as the influencers want us to believe that, we are all adult enough to know that there is a catch. There always is!

Drinking water stored in copper bottles or vessels has been the norm through generations, especially in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. This is because of something called the Oligodynamic effect - that happens when water gets stored in copper for at least eight hours.

During this period, the copper slowly releases beneficial ions into the water, increasing its nutrient content. This process is supposed to boost the water’s natural healing properties and promote better health.

Copper’s antimicrobial properties help it kill harmful bacteria and viruses in the water, making it effectively safe to drink. Also copper is loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help bring down oxidative stress and inflammation within the body.

The result? Healthy skin, a better-balanced immune system, and a reduced risk of chronic conditions.

Copper also plays an important role in the formation of haemoglobin, which is important for carrying oxygen through the blood. Copper also helps in cell regeneration, boosting overall tissue health, and speeding up recovery from injuries or illnesses.

The sad part is that the human body can’t produce copper naturally which makes copper vessels a great addition to your daily routine for ensuring balanced health.

Antioxidant Properties - Copper as an element is powerful. It combats free radicals, which damage cells and result in diseases such as cancer. By neutralising such harmful molecules, copper can help safeguard the body from oxidative stress, and supports overall health. Also, copper is important because it produces melanin.

Blood Pressure Balance - It’s science, yo. Copper deficiency results in hypotension. As well as hypertension. Take your pick. Having said that, small amounts of copper are important for ensuring blood pressure is constant. Still need a reason to drink from a copper bottle? Read on.

Thyroid Gland Functioning - With blood pressure leading the charge, could thyroid glands be left far behind? Enough copper will keep your thyroid glands happy. While the lack of it might ensure you have some health issues.

Anaemia - Trace elements be damned - copper plays an indispensable role in forming haemoglobin - the protein that is present in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

A paucity in copper can impact iron metabolism and hamper red blood cell production, as a result of which anaemia and symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath creep up.

Arthritis and Swollen Joints - Arthritis is painful. End off. Copper has anti-inflammatory properties, which can give arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients some semblance of relief by mitigating joint pain and stiffness.

Also , copper ensures your bones are healthy, your connective tissues are happy and there’s better joint mobility and strength. Ingest enough copper and you just might dodge bone degeneration.

Wounds Heal Faster -Drinking water with copper infused in it makes sure that your wounds heal faster. This is because copper has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Also copper helps in skin regeneration and bolsters the immune system.

Brain and Nervous System - The brain sends electrical signals to the rest of the body to communicate with it. Copper facilitates this communication, carrying out such impulses, and making the brain work more smoothly and more efficiently.

Excess Copper Intake Toxicity – Drinking water stored in copper vessels for too long can lead to copper toxicity, causing nausea and vomiting. And this has been established aeons ago.

Back in 1991, the Environmental Protection Agency came up with a regulation called the Lead and Copper Rule, according to which not more than 1.3 mg of copper per litre of water is permissible.

That’s quite a lot, actually. In reality, it should be far less. Too much copper is bad for you, period. You don’t need a science journal to tell you that.

Change of Taste - Copper can impart a metallic taste to the water, which is frankly disgusting. Why drink water tinged with anything? What happened to purity, and harping about quality, etc?

Copper water tastes revolting, you and I both know that. Unpleasant isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. You have that distinct “copper-ish” taste to the water when you drink water infused with copper. It’s copper, bro, what did you expect? Rooh Afza?

Liver Damage - Okay, this is where it gets serious. Too much copper water can lead to liver dysfunction or even liver failure over time. The liver is responsible for storing and regulating copper.

However, an excess of it can overwhelm the liver, so it can’t process and eliminate it, resulting in toxicity. Then comes inflammation, liver damage, and if you’re extremely unlucky, liver failure.

Remember. Long-term intake of excess copper over time can compromise liver function.

Neurological Effects – Too much copper in your water can lead to oxidative damage to the brain, worsening conditions like Alzheimer’s or anxiety. When copper levels rise more than what the body can take, it’s an invitation for free radicals to start appearing.

Oxidative damage can lead to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. What’s more, there’s also increased anxiety, mood swings and concentration issues.

Our brain is extremely sensitive to chemical imbalances. Long-term exposure to high copper levels can destroy your mental health, among other things.

Kidney Strain – Where does extra copper get eliminated from? The kidneys. Which is why high levels can place undue stress on them. You see, when copper levels exceed the body’s need, the onus is on the kidneys to eliminate the surplus, leading to cellular damage and impaired kidney function.

Over time this can reduce the efficiency of the kidneys, inviting renal conditions. Prolonged copper toxicity can result in nephrotoxicity - damage to kidney tissues.

To put it simply, copper water is good for you. I mean, we live in an era where stopping because a cat crossed the road is expected to increase your chances of survival. Jokes apart, copper water contains a lot of nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your health. From digestive health to mental health, copper water is good for everything.

Drinking water from copper infused bottles is so good, last heard Ironman was looking to change his suit composition so Tony Stark could live longer.

Let us put the humour aside for once - copper water is beneficial for you, end off. So what are you waiting for? Invest in a quality copper water bottle so that your health goes up a notch.

Copper water might not be a magical elixir, but it does have a range of potential health benefits that tradition and emerging science support. From supporting digestion and immunity to promoting skin health and brain function, drinking water from copper vessels, when done right, can be a good wellness habit.

As is with everything, moderation is key. Listen to your doctor, follow safe practices and enjoy the benefits of this old, ancient tradition.

Q. Is drinking water from a copper bottle actually good for you?

A. Yes, drinking water from a copper bottle is fine because it is full of health benefits. There is proof that copper in the body is beneficial for health.

Q. Should I throw away all my plastic bottles?

A. Yes, throw away all your plastic bottles because who knows what carcinogens they carry? Copper is the way to go.

Q. What is copper poisoning?

A. Copper poisoning occurs when your body ingests too much copper. That is not good for your system.

Q. How long should water be stored in a copper vessel before drinking?

A. For best results, store water in a copper bottle or vessel for at least 6–8 hours or overnight. This allows enough time for copper ions to infuse into the water through the oligodynamic effect.

Q. Can drinking too much copper water be harmful?

A. Yes, excessive intake of copper can lead to copper toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and liver damage.