Why copper-infused water is good for you

Dr Abhay Kumar, Associate Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer (Water Technology), Eureka Forbes Limited sheds light on the many health benefits of copper-infused water.

In an increasingly stressful and dynamic world, there is a growing emphasis on fitness. Along with physical exercise, there is a great need for dietary regulation. The primary concern is to ensure that immunity –nutritional immunity in particular – is maintained. As a health defence, this is a priority.

Nutritional immunity is achieved through mechanisms that protect the host from invading pathogens by restricting their ability to acquire key transition metal ions. The best solution to the issue lies in copper assimilation into the body. The link between copper and innate immune function has been known for decades and has been acknowledged by experts; and drinking copper-infused water is a small but significant way to better health.

Copper is one of the essential minerals required by the body. Since it is a naturally occurring element, it is present in many of the foods we consume. Whole grains, almonds, avocados, barley, garlic, nuts, lentils, oats and beets are good sources of this mineral. Through homeostasis, a system of uptake, our digestive systems assimilate the amount necessary for good health. The nutritional guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) state that adults need 1-2 mg of copper as part of their daily diet and the consumption must not exceed 10 mg per day.

Consuming this mineral in adequate amounts through water comes from the traditional wisdom of storing water in copper utensils. Ayurvedic principles prescribe drinking the water stored in copper vessels for eight hours.

The benefits of copper for the body are manifold. Some of the ways in which copper helps in
maintaining health include:

A healthy brain and nervous system
Normal functioning of the brain and nervous system requires copper. The mineral is essential in the production of neurotransmitters, which enable communication between nerve cells and transmission of electrical impulses along nerves.

Growth
Copper is vital to ensure normal growth of organs and tissues and protection of the skeletal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is particularly important for pregnant women and their developing foetus. Copper deficiencies result in a number of birth and growth defects in children.

Skincare and melanin production
Copper is important for the synthesis of myelin, haemoglobin, collagen and melanin. It is necessary for the production of elastin, which keeps the skin tissue flexible and keeps it from developing wrinkles and sagging. Copper is also a key component in melanin production, the pigment which imparts colour to the skin, hair and eyes and protects the skin from UV rays.

Raises immunity and decreases cholesterol
Copper is said to boost immunity and also cure anaemia, which helps the body defend itself from
infection and also heal quickly. Research studies have indicated that copper can help increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol). The right balance lowers the chances of cardiovascular disease.

Improves thyroid functioning and formation of RBC
Copper is vital for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. A balanced intake is vital since excess levels can interfere with hormonal activity, which leads to the development of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. As copper is partially responsible for the efficient uptake of iron from food, it is also required for the production of red blood cells, haemoglobin and bone matter.

The human body requires this mineral for optimal functioning in minute quantities. Drinking copper-infused water is one way of ensuring the body gets what it needs.