Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Quick Take
According to various health blogs and media stories, water maintained in copper bottles may help cure a range of ailments. We analyzed the facts. Our research concluded that these claims are just Half True. It should be noted that drinking water from copper bottles has some known benefits but most claims overestimate these benefits.
The Claim
The benefits of drinking water from copper bottles or eating from copper plates date back centuries and are well-established in alternative therapeutic practices in India. However, some health blogs have recently made unrealistic assumptions regarding the benefits of copper. A Facebook post claims that drinking water from copper bottles cures arthritis or prevents strokes.
Fact Check
What is the Ayurvedic perspective on drinking water from copper bottles?
Copper water promotes the use of copper containers or copper water bottles to store drinking water. Because of its natural physical and chemical properties, copper is widely used to manufacture drinking bottles. This could be due to copper’s low chemical reactivity and antioxidant properties. When stored in a copper bottle, copper ions are released into the water. This also affects the properties of water. Since it is widely supported by Ayurveda, Thus, drinking water from a copper bottle is considered therapeutic.
We asked Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director, Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda (ĀCĀRA) for the Ayurvedic perspective on consuming water from copper bottles. He explained, “Drinking water that has been ionized and filtered in a copper vessel is regularly advised in Ayurveda. The suggested daily intake of this copperized water is 900 micrograms. Ten milligrams of copper per day is the daily maximum limit for copper consumption. Keeping water in copper containers does not result in excessive consumption and is generally considered safe and healthy. ” Additionally, copper-ionized water can eliminate some bacterial strains completely. It can even help prevent diarrhoea.”
Can drinking water from copper bottles keep you healthy?
Yes, to a certain extent. Copper is an essential element that must be consumed in trace amounts. Copper exhibits antimicrobial characteristics. Furthermore, the Ayurvedic system states that it is a good water purifier. This could prevent bacterial growth, resulting in the decontamination of drinking water. Copper is also beneficial for heart, brain and bone health, immune system, and even weight loss with anti-ageing and tanning effects.
However, it should be emphasized that both its deficiency and excess could be injurious to health. Therefore, copper consumption from either water or food must be within the authorized limit. Copper ions, even at low concentrations, can produce headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. At higher doses, copper can harm the kidneys or liver.
Is it possible to treat arthritis or prevent strokes by drinking water from copper bottles?
No, there is no conclusive evidence.
Arthritis is a degenerative bone disease that cannot be completely healed. Furthermore, it necessitates strategic management. The most significant part of arthritis therapy is the early patient diagnosis, with lifestyle adjustments and olive oil, omega-3 rich along with vitamin-rich dietary supplements. This step is followed by the rapid commencement of DMARD medication and regular patient evaluation. It should be mentioned that there is some evidence linking low copper levels with bone health. However, as per the study, copper is supported by other micronutrients responsible for bone strength. Thus, more evidence would be required to establish the claim.
A stroke, similarly, is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. Thus, brain damage and other repercussions could be avoided with early intervention. Also, it should be noted that stroke is affected by a wide range of risk factors. In addition, a study reveals that serum copper might be one of the risk factors. Therefore, dietary copper cannot be the treatment modality for the treatment of strokes.
THIP MEDIA TAKE: We analyzed that drinking water from copper bottles is helpful and has been incorporated into ayurvedic therapeutic procedures. However, the advantages may not be sufficient to manage conditions such as arthritis and strokes. Hence, we conclude that the claim is only half true.
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