Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. But did you know that drinking water from a copper cup might actually make you look and feel younger? According to ancient Ayurveda texts, when water comes into contact with copper for a length of time - 8 hours or so - the water becomes charged with the healing properties of the copper. So what does this trace mineral do for your body? Just about everything.
Copper has a sterilizing effect in nature and is known to kill bacteria. According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, copper helps to prevent common water borne diseases especially in developing countries. Researchers at the University of South Carolina found that the antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care units kills 97% of bacteria that cause hospital-acquired infections.
Besides the anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities, copper is packed with anti-inflamatory properties. It strengthens your immune system, helps wounds heal faster, and relieves aches associated with joint pain.
Need help with your digestion? Copper has properties that stimulate the rhythmic workings of the stomach, helping to digest food and move it along the digestive system. It regulates the workings of your liver and kidneys, adding in the proper elimination of waste and ensures the absorption of nutrients from food. Plus, it helps your body to break down fat and eliminate it more efficiently. A weight loss boost? Think of it as a way to detox your digestive system.
In fact, almost every system in the body requires copper in order to function properly. Copper helps in the making of phosholipids that are essential for the formation of myelin sheaths in our brain. These are the protective coatings that help your brain work faster and more efficiently. Think of copper as a brain stimulant. It is needed for proper thyroid function, as well. It helps to regulate blood pressure, lowers one’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It helps against the accumulation of plaque to allow for better flow of blood to the heart. Copper aids in absorption of iron and regulates the flow of iron in your blood vessels.
Even the American Cancer Society is looking into the exact mechanism of how copper can be used as an anti-cancer effect.
And as for looking younger, copper is the main component in the production of melanin, the pigment that decides the color of your eyes, hair, and skin. It aids in the production of new cells which improve skin texture and quality. For those with blemish issues, cleansing properly and drinking from a copper cup might be just what you need to obtain a clearer complexion. And since copper is packed with strong antioxidants, it fights off free radicals - the culprits in the formation of fine lines. In fact, copper can help slow the aging process and make you feel and look more beautiful.
Unfortunately, only about 25% of the U.S. population is getting adequate copper in their daily diet. Our bodies cannot synthesize the mineral and since it is clearly essential to most of our body’s functions, you have to make sure you get enough copper in your diet. According to the FDA, 12 mg / day is more than sufficient for the body to use. You also don’t want to overdue the amount you take in. Drinking water twice a day from a copper vessel is the right amount for your body to reap cooper's benefits.
The best time to drink a cup of copper water is as soon as you get up in the morning on an empty stomach. It’s recommended to drink the water at room temperature. Simply, fill your vessel the night before with quality water, cover it, and allow to sit overnight. The copper will be absorbed by the water. Be sure to use a vessel made of pure copper. You do not want a cup that is mixed with other metals. Also, do not store the water in the fridge and never use stale water from the previous day.
To clean your cup: Use 1/2 a lemon and rub it on the inside. Allow it to stand for a few minutes and wash off with plain water. If your cup becomes darkly stained due to oxidation, use a little baking soda with the lemon juice to clean. Never use any coarse scrub because it will wear away the copper.
For thousands of years, the benefits of copper have been utilized by civilizations. India still uses copper vessels to sterilize water after more than two millennium. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used copper in the treatment of illness.
The beauty of the copper cup: a simple, practical, and effective way to add a necessary mineral to your body’s overall, good health. Cheers.