The Health Benefits of Using A Copper Bottle

There are tons of reusable bottles available on the market today, and many have gone into the limelight due to the recent zero waste craze on social media and various news channels.

Collapsible cups and reusable coffee cups are currently taking the market by storm. However copper bottles, on the other hand, don't get much recognition from the media even though people in India and other south Asian countries have used them for thousands of years.

The practice of drinking water from copper bottles, or Tamra Jal (therapeutic water in Sanskrit) is widely known for its health benefits according to Ayurveda, the oldest holistic medical science.

(picture credit: CocoGlo)

Health benefits of Copper 

Copper plays a vital role in our overall health. As the third most prevalent mineral within the body, it helps boost our metabolism, cell growth, and keeps our hair and skin healthy.

As adults, the human body requires about 900 micrograms of copper daily for optimum health, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding would need more. Adequate copper intake is essential for infants and children required for the creation, growth, and maintenance of bones, connective tissue in our hearts and arteries up through our adult lives.

(picture credit: pinterest.com)

Why Copper can be harmful

While copper is an essential element necessary for our bodies, it can be poisonous if swallowed or inhaled. Too much copper can cause adverse health effects, including vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and nausea.

However, copper mugs – like those aesthetic Moscow Mule cocktail mugs – lined with other metals like stainless steel or nickel are entirely safe. High levels of zinc can help remove excess body copper consumption. Furthermore, you may be relieved to know that Medical researchers have also revealed that copper poisoning and toxicity is rare. 

The proper way of using your Copper bottle

Nomita Hathiramani, the founder of Coco Glo (her line of Ayurvedic copper bottles), also a Hong Kong-based integrative wellness consultant and holistic nutritionist, believes copper bottles should be used with guidance. She also suggests storing water overnight (at least eight to ten hours) and drinking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It is recommended not to exceed more than one litre a day.

Nomita explains that drinking from the Copper bottle is one of the gentlest ways of replenishing the body with minerals. "In recent studies, the World Health Organization has concluded that is safe for the body to consume up to 2mg of copper per litre of water. Water stored in the copper vessel for several hours absorbed less than 1.20th of that amount of copper, very far below safe limited."

She also recommends purchasing your copper bottles from a reputable source. Bottles should be above 98.3% copper to take full advantage of all the health benefits, with Coco Glo bottles 99.5% pure.

Caring for your Copper bottle

The number one rule is never to use abrasive cleaning pads to clean your copper bottles; otherwise, you might scrape away copper from the vessel. Instead, use a mild detergent or a metal cleaning agent to wash your copper bottles daily.

Once or twice a week, use half a lemon (you can squeeze out the juice) and rub it on the inside and outside of your copper bottles. Leave it to stand for a few minutes before washing off with plain water and wiping your copper bottle dry.

Proper care instructions usually come with your copper bottle purchase, so make sure you follow them for optimal care!