copper
Historically, copper was the first element known to man. The Chalcolithic period or Copper Age saw man progress from using stones as weapons to replacing them with copper.
Ancient societies such as ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Somalia, the Incas, Aztecs, and Indians used copper in various forms, from currency to trade to household products. Ayurvedic texts mention the use of copper vessels for drinking water.
Copper is the only metal with antibacterial properties, which were proven true even during the 1800s, when copper miners were immune to cholera.
For centuries, copper has been used in various forms to treat various ailments including cuts, headaches, even varicose veins. The rise of Ayurvedic and indigenous medicine has seen an increase in the use of copper products in household items, especially copper utensils and cups.
The benefits of drinking water with copper
Copper releases some of its ions into water, through a process called the oligodynamic effect. Copper is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. It aids in the formation of hemoglobin as well as cell renewal and unfortunately, the human body cannot create the amounts of copper it needs to function healthily, therefore, copper must be part of our intake through our water.
Fighting cancer
Copper is a well-known antioxidant, which means it fights all free radicals and neutralizes their negative effects. Free radicals and their harmful effects have been a major cause of cancer in the human body. Copper also helps in the production of melanin which gives color to the skin and eyes, and also protects the person from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Balances high blood pressure
According to the American Cancer Society, copper is known to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If copper deficiency begins in childhood, it leads to the development of hypotension, but if adults suffer from copper deficiency, they develop hypertension. Therefore, trace amounts of copper are critical for regulating blood pressure in humans.
Helps thyroid function
According to experts, the most common feature among thyroid patients is copper. Copper balances the imbalance of the thyroid gland, meaning it stimulates the thyroid gland to function well, but it also combats the harmful effects of too much secretion from the thyroid gland. While a deficiency in copper leads to thyroid dysfunction, it is also true that too much copper also causes thyroid dysfunction and causes hyper or hypothyroidism in patients.
Prevents anemia
Copper helps break down food to produce hemoglobin, it helps the body absorb iron, a deficiency of which causes anemia. Copper deficiency in the human body may lead to rare hematological disorders which also result in a decrease in white blood cells.
Cures arthritis and inflamed joints
Copper has anti-inflammatory properties that provide great relief to patients suffering from arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, copper has bone-strengthening properties, making it a perfect remedy for arthritis.
Eliminates contamination
Copper is a natural antibiotic, water stored in copper bottles for more than 8 hours is free of all such bacteria. Copper is effective against E.coli, S. aureus and Cholera Bacillus, among other common waterborne pathogens.
Helps with digestion
Ancient Roman texts speak of prescribing copper-based medicines to kill bacteria in the stomach. Ayurveda claims that drinking copper water "loosens and cleanses the stomach." Copper also has properties that stimulate peristalsis (the rhythmic expansion and contraction of the stomach lining), reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, and aid in better digestion. Copper is an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers, indigestion, and gastritis.
Helps the cardiovascular system
Copper helps clear plaque and dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to the heart. Studies have shown that copper deficiency can cause heart muscle dysfunction, leading to inadequate pumping of blood, impaired circulation throughout the body, and an inability to respond properly to stress.
Controls aging
The ancient Egyptians used many copper-based beauty products. A number of today's skincare products are copper-based because copper is not only an antioxidant, it also aids in cell renewal, negates the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin, and helps ward off wrinkles and fine lines that come with age.
Increases brain efficiency
The human brain interacts with the rest of the body through electrical impulses. Copper helps cells communicate with each other by conducting these impulses, which makes the brain work more efficiently.
Prevents stroke
Copper also has anticonvulsant properties, which means that copper is an effective means of preventing seizures. Copper also has antioxidant properties, meaning that a copper deficiency will allow oxidants to work faster and better, increasing the risk of stroke.
Weight loss
Copper plays a major role in dissolving excess fat deposits in the human body and helps in weight loss. Copper keeps the body in a fat-burning state even when the person is resting, however, this does not mean that too much copper will burn more fat; too much copper can poison the human body
Helps wounds heal faster
Copper exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. In addition, copper also aids in skin regeneration and strengthens the immune system, helping the body heal wounds faster.
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Interesting facts about copper in the body |
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Lack of sufficient copper can lead to premature births |
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Copper deficiency is linked to chronic diarrhea |
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Although too much copper can cause some negative symptoms, it is not entirely clear what level of copper is considered toxic. |
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Some institutes recommend a maximum of 10,000 mcg per day. |
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Copper is part of more than 30 enzymes produced and used by the human body. |
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Did you know? Even if you consume enough copper, too much zinc in your diet can lead to copper deficiency. Zinc and copper fight to be absorbed in the stomach, but zinc often wins, resulting in less copper entering your system. |