Copper Cup

According to Western medicine, copper is an essential trace mineral that helps build red blood cells, maintain nerve cells, form collagen, help metabolize iron, turn sugar into energy, kill bacteria, improve digestion, metabolize cholesterol, benefit circulation and blood pressure, is an antioxidant, removes free radicals, protects cells, promotes healthy hair, skin, and eye color, and maintains immunity.

According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, drinking water stored in copper vessels (such as a copper water bottle or cup) is believed to balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). This is achieved by the positive charge that the copper imparts to the water. If you store water overnight in a copper cup or vessel and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it is thought to cleanse your body and stimulate the digestive system muscles to assist in the removal of waste.

Copper is a mineral that your body requires in small amounts and is obtained from food sources; your body does not produce it. The recommended daily amount for adults is a manageable 900 mcg, but when pregnant or breastfeeding, you should have slightly more, 1 mg or 1.3 mg daily. 

It is rare to have a copper deficiency, but when that happens, you might experience anemia, low blood pressure, easily broken bones or loss (osteoporosis), low white blood count, and thyroid problems.  Too much copper can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and even rare but life-threatening conditions like heart or kidney failure. 

Copper is easily absorbed from foods, and below are a few sources with higher amounts;

Animal products: Organ meats, fish, and shellfish.

Legumes: Tofu, chickpeas, lima, and soybeans.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, peas, artichokes, asparagus, avocado, spinach, beet greens, turnips, shiitake mushrooms, kale, collard greens, and chard.

Nuts & Seeds: Cashews and sesame seeds.

Herbs and spices: Basil, black pepper, nutmeg, parsley, mustard, ginger, sage, and cinnamon.

Other: Dark chocolate (cocoa) and molasses.