The demand for copperware items has surged globally in the past few years. Not only do the latest copperware items have health benefits, but they also have a quaint charm. People in the olden times used copper vessels and glasses to drink fresh water. People from ancient India used to throw copper coins in rivers to keep the river water clean.
This is because copper is known to kill bacteria and is beneficial for the digestive system. Copper has numerous health benefits, such as proper growth of the body, effective use of iron, appropriate enzymatic reactions, and increased health of connective tissues, hair, and eyes.
Over the years, copper was replaced with modern-day metals like steel, aluminium, etc. However, today people realise the importance of this metal. Most modern-era copper cookware is lined with stainless steel rather than tin, as the steel holds up better under hot cooking and heavy cleaning.
Other items such as jugs, bottles, mugs, etc. are coated with enamel paintings that are aesthetically pleasing and a must-have for your have among your home appliances.
What are the health benefits of copper?
Copper is a nutrient your body needs in small amounts for proper functioning. The mineral copper has several health benefits, including strengthening the digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular health, and skin health.
Helps build immunity
Copper can be used as medicine, either when consumed (from water stored in copper vessels) or applied topically, to strengthen your immune system, prevent infections, enhance wound healing, and accelerate tissue healing. It plays a major role in creating both red blood cells and white blood cells (1), which help to regulate your immune system and protect the body from infections. Copper may also have antioxidant effects, helping protect the body against cellular damage and associated diseases. It may also help the body utilise the iron it has stored, which plays a role in maintaining immune system health and fertility.
Is good for digestion
The health benefits of copper in organ systems are mostly attributed to the minerals' role in as many as 50 different body enzymes that influence different aspects of human metabolism and cognitive functions. Copper helps generate heat in the human body (2), helps communication between various cells, breaks down some foods to become haemoglobin, and promotes metabolism. Copper helps the body absorb iron (from foods and other sources in your gut) and releases it when needed in important organs such as your liver.
Helps in weight loss
Drinking warm water in a copper glass flushes the kidneys (3), cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and helps to burn down fat. Copper helps in the breaking down of fat so that it can be used as energy.
Hypertension
According to several experts, having a copper-deficient diet can lead to hypertension. This is because copper inhibits the activity of a key enzyme that regulates blood pressure in the body.
Premature ageing
It protects cell membranes from free radicals and helps your skin and joints make collagen and elastin, which can keep you from ageing prematurely and help make skin elastic. Additionally, copper helps skin regeneration and boosts your immune system, helping the body heal injuries more quickly.
Apart from this, copper deficiency can lead to anaemia. This is because copper helps break down food for the production of haemoglobin and helps your body to absorb iron. Copper is also known for the regulation of the heartbeat, balancing the thyroid, reduced symptoms of arthritis, faster wound healing, increased formation of red blood cells, and decreased cholesterol are some other health benefits of copper. (4)
Incorporating old rituals in daily life.
Now that you know the importance of using Copper serveware you should start incorporating copper items into your daily life. The best way to start using copperware is to get a copper vessel - possibly a pot or a 'Handi' or you can also use a copper jug. Fill the vessel with water and store it in a cool place. Change water every 24 hours to ensure there is no contamination of water. Drink water twice a day, possibly every morning, on an empty stomach.
Also, remember to take breaks from drinking water stored in a copper bottle. This is to ensure that the body flushes out the extra copper. You can take a break or a month or two after having consumed water regularly over a while.
Types of copper homeware
You can find a variety of copper ware such as Copper bottles, Copper glass, copper mugs, copper jugs, copper water inserts, copper pans, copper candle-holders, copper wires, copper bracelets, copper trays, copper water decanter with lid, copper, plate, Kalash, etc. These
Copper also has an aesthetic appeal. You can use Copper photo frames, antiques and wall decors to decorate your home.
There is also a range of jewellery such as Copper bracelets, rings, Kada etc. Wearing these pieces of jewellery can help to revitalise your heart, prevent swelling, strengthen your bones as well as have a positive and spiritual effect on your mind and soul.
EK has some of the best handcrafted solid copperwares that are must-buy essentials for your home.
Tips to clean copper homeware
Copper when exposed to air, reacts and gets oxidised. This tarnish and corrosion of your copper homeware make them less visually appealing. Long-term exposure to tarnished copper items can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, diarrhoea, and irritation to your mouth, nose, eyes etc. Here's how you can clean copper items at home.
- Use a soft cloth to spread several teaspoons of lemon juice on the surface of the copper, then rub gently. With a clean, soft cloth, apply the solution to the item that needs cleaning and polish it until the copper begins to glow.
- Get some tamarind, soak it in water and then scrub the tarnish from the copper surfaces.
- One technique for dealing with minor tarnish on copper is rubbing a two-part tomato paste or tomato sauce with a one-part coarse salt onto the copper surface.
- To clean the inside of your copper bottles, jugs and glasses, simply squeeze half a lemon in a bottle, add 1 tbsp salt, and a cup of water.
- Another way of using those two ingredients to clean your copper is by mixing the salt with vinegar to create a solution. Rub the 1 Tablespoon salt-1 Cup white vinegar solution on your copper using a soft cloth, then wash it off. Simply sprinkle generous amounts of table salt on the exterior of your copper pan, pour the white vinegar on top, and let sit for about one minute.
FAQS
How to keep copper safe from oxidising?
The best way to clean copper utensils is to use lemon solutions. Or simply coat the vessel with paint.
How to identify pure copper?
To identify pure copper, just strike the article with something and listen to the sound. Real copper is a soft metal and it delivers a deep and mellow sound. Any alloys of copper are more likely to produce a clear, ringing bell-like sound.
Is it safe to drink hot water in a copper glass?
Yes, it's safe to drink hot water in a copper glass, provided they are appropriately cleaned.