Do you know that copper, though in traces, is a naturally occurring substance in our body and its recommended amount is good especially for the liver and brain. Since ancient times it is a tradition to cook food in copper vessels, because earlier copper was the only available metal and it was only later that its health benefits were found out. But with time and the discovery of other metals copper vessels have gradually vanished. Steel has now replaced copper vessels in Indian kitchens and copper utensils are found only in restaurants and that too as serving bowls. Some people prefer to drink water stored in copper jugs. Or rarely, you see decorative copper pots in the market.
Copper is a very good conductor of heat and is shiny in appearance. Because of these properties it was the preferred material for kitchen utensils. But its use is now confined to just outer layer of kitchen pots that are used in cooking. Copper toxicity is reduced to zero by using stainless steal lining on the inner side of the vessel.
Disadvantages of using Copper Vessels
But is it safe to cook every kind of food in these vessels? No, as copper reacts with certain food because it is slightly acidic in nature and may lead to health related issues and even cause poisoning of food. Therefore copper vessels should never be used to store or cook pickles or acidic food.
Also milk and milk products such as curd, butter, ice creams react very quickly with copper so never store these in such vessels. Never keep honey, citrus juices, citrus fruits in copper vessels.
Such food after reacting with copper leads to many problems related to digestive system such as gastrointestinal infection. One may feel nauseous or experience a stomach ache after this. Also some patients complaint of acidic and metallic feeling on the tongue, dizziness and feeling of frequent thirst. Having excess of copper may lead to short or long term health issues and you may need a doctor to overcome these.
Benefits of drinking water in copper vessel
But water is one thing which when stored in copper jug can provide many health benefits. Even in the past, people in India used to store water in big copper vessels. Scientists have found anti microbial properties in copper. As per Ayurveda, drinking water from copper vessel reduces ageing by stimulating the production of collagen protein that helps in connecting tissues. Also when copper gets mixed with water, then copper kills viruses, and other such micro-organism making water fit for drinking.
If you are anemic caused by the deficiency of copper then by drinking this water will cure anaemia.
For healthy skin copper is a beneficial element. Person suffering from vitiligo is recommended to have water from copper vessel as it helps in the production of melanin.
Minimum recommended level of copper keeps our digestive system healthy. Also it helps in fighting against many gastrointestinal diseases.
But excess of everything is bad and so does drinking copper rich water. Its higher level can cause gastrointestinal distress, and if one is having high amount of copper for a long time then it may lead to kidney or liver damage. So it is advisable to consult your doctor before drinking or having copper rich food.
