Is Drinking Water Kept In A Copper Bottle Beneficial Or Just Another Fad?

Have you ever wondered if drinking water stored in a copper bottle is as miraculous as people claim? Is it genuinely a game-changer for your health, or is it just another trendy fad that'll soon fade away? You're not alone. The popularity of copper bottles has skyrocketed in recent years, with claims ranging from boosting immunity to improving digestion. But is there any truth to this copper-infused hype? Let's understand whether filling up your copper water bottle leads to better health or if it's all just shiny marketing.

What Is Copper Water?

Copper has long been associated with health benefits, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, which suggests that drinking water stored in copper vessels helps balance the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—in the body. In recent years, this ancient practice has found its way into modern wellness trends, with influencers, fitness enthusiasts, and health experts all praising the advantages of copper-charged water. But what exactly are these benefits, and more importantly, are they backed by science?

1. Copper Has Antimicrobial Properties

Let's start with one of the most commonly cited benefits of copper water—its antimicrobial properties. Copper has been scientifically proven to kill a variety of bacteria and viruses. A study conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that copper surfaces kill over 99.9%  of bacteria (MRSA and other bacteria) within two hours of exposure*. So, storing water in a copper bottle could potentially keep harmful microbes at bay.

However, the water needs to be stored for several hours—some suggest overnight—for the copper to work its magic. And while this antimicrobial property may help keep your water safe from germs, it's essential to remember that this isn't a replacement for water purification systems. It's an added benefit, not a miracle solution.

2. Copper For Boosting Immune System

Many advocates of copper water claim that regularly consuming water stored in copper bottles can boost your immune system. Copper is indeed a trace mineral that plays a role in several bodily functions, including the production of haemoglobin, absorption of iron, and the creation of energy. It also supports enzyme reactions that promote immune health.

But here's the catch: the amount of copper you get from drinking water stored in a copper vessel is quite small. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for copper is just 900 micrograms per day for adults**, and you can get plenty of that from foods like nuts, seeds, and whole grains. While drinking water from a copper bottle could contribute to your daily copper intake, it's unlikely to have a significant impact unless you're severely deficient in copper to begin with.

3. Copper Aids In Digestion

Copper is said to stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles that help move food through your digestive system. Proponents of copper water claim that drinking it first thing in the morning can cleanse and detoxify your stomach, reducing issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas.

While copper is essential for digestive health, there isn't enough scientific evidence to support the idea that drinking copper-infused water will significantly improve digestion. It's more likely that drinking any kind of water in the morning—whether from a copper bottle or not—will get your digestive system moving, as hydration is key to digestion.

4. Copper Can Improve Skin Health

Who doesn't want radiant, glowing skin? Copper water is often credited with being a natural remedy for acne, wrinkles, and dull skin. Copper is known to have antioxidant properties, which help reduce free radicals and slow down ageing. It also aids in the production of melanin, which is responsible for your skin's colour and protection against UV damage.

While copper's antioxidant properties are beneficial, there's little direct evidence to suggest that drinking water from a copper bottle will lead to an overnight glow-up. The real impact of copper on your skin is more likely to come from its topical use, rather than ingestion. Copper peptides in skincare have shown more promise when it comes to improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.

5. Copper Helps In Weight Loss

One of the more surprising claims about copper water is that it can help with weight loss. Supporters argue that copper-infused water can help break down fat more efficiently and improve metabolism. While copper does play a role in your body's metabolic processes, there's no concrete evidence that drinking water from a copper bottle will help you lose weight faster.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration—whether from a copper bottle or not—remain the key players in any weight loss journey.

 6. Copper Balances Hypertension And Cholesterol Levels

Copper is believed to help regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown that people with low copper levels may be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues, but there's still a lot of debate about how much copper is needed to make a difference. Drinking copper water might give you a slight advantage in maintaining heart health, but it's certainly not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular check-ups with your doctor.

Can Copper Water Be Harmful?

While the benefits of copper water sound appealing, it's important to know that too much copper can be harmful. Excessive copper consumption can lead to copper toxicity, which may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and even liver damage in severe cases. That's why it's crucial to ensure you're not overdoing it. Experts suggest storing water in a copper bottle for no more than 8-12 hours before drinking it, and cleaning the bottle regularly to prevent copper leaching.

Also, if you're using a copper bottle, avoid storing acidic liquids like citrus juice in it. The acidity can cause the copper to corrode and release more copper into the liquid, potentially leading to an unsafe level of copper intake.

So, is drinking water from a copper bottle beneficial, or is it just another wellness fad? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. There are some real benefits to drinking copper-infused water, particularly when it comes to its antimicrobial properties and potential immune-boosting effects. However, many of the more extravagant claims—such as aiding weight loss, dramatically improving digestion, or transforming your skin overnight—are likely exaggerated or based on anecdotal evidence.

Copper is essential to your health, but remember that moderation is key. Drinking water from a copper bottle can be a nice addition to your daily routine, but it won't replace a balanced diet, regular hydration, and healthy lifestyle choices. At the end of the day, it's not a miracle cure, but it's also not a hoax. Like most things, the real benefits come from using it wisely.

So, what do you think? Ready to give copper water a try, or are you sticking to your trusty glass bottle? Either way, it's all about finding what works best for you and your health. After all, there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to wellness.

* Antimicrobial Copper Category 4 Of 15 [Read Here]

** Dietary Reference Intake [Read Here]

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical, nutritional or wellness opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.