Most people today drink water from a porcelain, glass, or steel cup. But have you ever thought about consuming water from a copper cup? If not, you may consider drinking water daily from one, as copper offers a wealth of health advantages. Drinking out of copper cups has been a tradition for centuries.
In addition to providing various health benefits, they also have a fashionable, distinctive, and classic appearance. But what are the real benefits of using copper cups? And is it safe to drink out of copper? Keep reading to find out!
What Happens When You Store Water in a Copper Cup?
When water is stored in a copper jar or container for eight hours or more, copper releases some of its ions into the water via a process known as the Oligodynamic effect. As a micronutrient, copper helps the body meet its nutritional and mineral needs. Copper acts as a purifying mechanism for stored water, and can kill all microorganisms in water, including molds, algae, fungi, and bacteria. It also aids in preserving pH (acid-alkaline) balance.
Copper’s oligodynamic effects ionize the water with nutrients in addition to cleaning it. When water is held in a copper container, minerals leech into it. Copper that leaches into the water we drink aids in breaking down food particles inside of us and enhances digestion.
Copper has antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. It aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin as well as cell regeneration. Because the human body cannot produce the tiny amounts of copper needed to function properly, you must consume copper through food or water.
Benefits of Using a Copper Cup
Can drinking from copper cups lower your risk of developing cancer? Help you lose weight? Reduce the signs of aging? Science says YES. Let’s explore the amazing benefits of using a copper cup.
Helps Thyroid Gland Functioning
According to specialists, copper is the element most frequently found in thyroid patients. Copper adjusts the thyroid gland’s imbalances, stimulating it to work correctly, while also protecting it from the harmful side effects of excessive secretion from the thyroid gland. At the same time, a copper deficiency indeed results in the malfunction of the thyroid gland. It’s also true that an excess of copper results in hyper- or hypothyroidism in patients.
Increases Hemoglobin Count
The protein molecule hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, is essential for the body’s effective functioning. Hemoglobin deficiency can result in anemia, worsening other chronic illnesses like brittle bones, chronic fatigue, and disorientation. Drinking copper water helps the body absorb iron better and aids in the breakdown of food for the formation of hemoglobin. Copper is an essential trace mineral that the body needs in adequate proportions to prevent certain hematological disorders.
Maintains Heart Health
According to cardiologists, a shortage of copper in the body frequently results in plaque formations that clog the blood vessels. A copper deficiency can affect the heart’s ability to respond to stress, weaken its muscles, and diminish its ejection fraction (its ability to pump blood). Drinking copper water can help heart patients reach their bodies’ ideal levels of copper.
Helps in Weight Loss
Copper aids in the breakdown of body fat and can even aid in the healing of the thyroid gland, which plays a vital part in weight loss. Copper also aids in forming adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, a critical coenzyme in the body. Also known as the “molecular unit of currency,” it gives us the energy we need to get through the day without getting tired. Consuming water in a copper cup will increase energy levels, speeding up weight loss.
Improves Digestive System Function
For best results, sip water from a copper cup when you first wake up. Since you’ll be drinking the water on an empty stomach, it’ll help to cleanse the digestive tract. Drinking water from copper cups encourages peristalsis, or the contraction and relaxation of the stomach, which aids in the breakdown of food and the progression of the digestive process to the next stage.
Balances Body Temperature
The food we eat turns acidic as soon as it enters our stomach, producing chemicals that cause the body to heat up. When you consume water from a copper cup, the water absorbs alkali after being stored for a few hours.
Alkaline water assists in balancing acids, cleansing the body, and bringing down body temperature. This is particularly beneficial in the hot summer season, when the body tends to heat up due to the climate.
Lined vs. Unlined Copper Cups
There are three alternatives available when buying a copper cup: tin-lined, 100% copper, and copper-plated.
Lined copper cups (often stainless steel, zinc, or tin) are an excellent choice. A tin or nickel lining will add that extra structural support, enabling the cup to withstand the rigors of daily life in the kitchen or bar a little bit better. Unlike pure copper, stainless steel doesn’t react or rust when exposed to acidic solutions.
Since lined copper mugs prevent reactions between the acids in your drink and pure copper, they also provide extra health advantages over pure copper. This substantially adds to the Moscow Mule’s popularity as a summertime drink and explains why copper mugs are ideal for cocktails.
Both lined and unlined copper cups must be hand washed, and both will eventually develop a patina. Lined cups take less time to polish because you only need to worry about the outside.
Drinks You Can Serve in a Copper Cup
Copper cups are fashionable and ideal drinking cups for any beverage. Drinks served in copper mugs provide the best cocktail experience since copper draws an oxidation process that improves the drink’s flavor and aroma. This is particularly true with Moscow mule cups. The Moscow Mule is a distinctive cocktail served in copper cups. Here are a few excellent drinks that go well with copper cups.
Moscow Mule
Moscow mules and copper cups complement each other like peanut butter and jelly. Despite its distinctive zesty and spicy flavors, the copper cups that this cocktail is typically served in are its calling card. Drinks like Moscow Mules are best for any picnic, pool party, or backyard BBQ.
Mezcal
It’s crucial to understand that while mezcal is similar to tequila, not all mezcal is tequila. Using a copper cup to serve mezcal takes advantage of copper’s superior thermal conductivity. Copper fundamentally improves the flavor profile of any liquor by allowing the drinker’s palm to warm it up, releasing more scent and subtlety as the drink is enjoyed.
Mint Julep
A mint julep is a bourbon-based cocktail frequently regarded as the Kentucky Derby’s official beverage. Although the beverage is typically served in a highball glass or silver julep cup, a copper cup is perfect for it. Since this drink’s flavor mainly depends on bourbon, use a high-quality whiskey and enjoy the combination.
Gin and Tonics
Gin and tonics have an old-fashioned, elegant feel to them. Because of its smoothness, the gin and tonic drink was like tonic water for the British officers. This mixture is not only unique, but it also tastes great. Grab some gin, tonic water, and lime juice, and get moving. Pour this favorite drink into a copper cup for a modern touch.
Is It Safe to Drink Out of Copper?
Copper cups are incredibly safe to drink from because they’re lined, eliminating the chance of copper poisoning your drinks. Start using a cup lined with nickel, stainless steel, or food-safe lacquer instead of drinking from an unlined cup. These materials’ linings limit the metal’s ability to come into direct contact with the beverage, preventing copper from leaching.
However, as unlined copper mugs only emit a minimal amount of copper, which is beneficial to your body, there is no chance you’ll be poisoned by using them. When utilizing 100% pure copper mugs with a liquid with a pH less than 6.0 (such as lime juice), and the liquid remains in the cup for an extended period, there’s a possibility that you will ingest copper. This is why copper cups lined with stainless steel are often a good choice.
As your lined cups age, you may see some wear and tear and scratches in the metal lining. However, this is a minor problem, so you shouldn’t worry because it won’t cause significant amounts of copper to leach from your cup into the beverage. However, you might need to replace your copper cup if you see a sizable portion of the metal lining has come out.
Conclusion
Copper cups have a long history of use and offer many benefits. A copper cup may be the perfect option if you’re looking for an alternative to plastic or glass water bottles. They’re durable, easy to clean, and help keep your drink cold or hot for longer. In addition, drinking from a copper cup can provide numerous health benefits.
Please remember that selecting the wrong dealers and wrongly using the copper cups are the only things that might cause you harm. Learn to find authentic copper cups online. So if you’re in the market for a new water bottle, we highly recommend giving copper cups a try.