What are the benefits of copper water? And how to integrate it into your nutrition diet

October 14, 2025 •

5 min read

For centuries, the ancient Ayurvedic practice of storing water in copper vessels, known as Tamra Jal, has been revered for its purported health benefits. It's estimated that trace amounts of copper leach into the water after just 6–8 hours. A central question for many is: what are the benefits of copper water, and how does it fit into a modern, healthy nutrition diet?

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits of copper-infused water, discussing its antimicrobial properties, positive effects on digestion and skin, and proper preparation and safety practices.

Key Points

Antimicrobial Action: Copper naturally purifies water by killing harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses through a process called the oligodynamic effect.
Digestive Health: Copper-infused water may aid digestion by cleansing the stomach, reducing inflammation, and stimulating intestinal movement.
Skin and Anti-Aging: By supporting the production of collagen and elastin, copper promotes healthy skin, improves elasticity, and can help reduce fine lines.
Immunity and Brain Function: As an essential mineral, copper boosts immune response and is vital for efficient brain communication and enzyme function.
Safe Usage and Moderation: Store only plain, room-temperature water for 6-8 hours in an unlined copper vessel and limit consumption to 2-3 glasses per day to avoid toxicity.
Wilson's Disease Precaution: Individuals with genetic disorders affecting copper metabolism, such as Wilson's disease, must avoid consuming copper water.

What is Copper-Infused Water and How Does it Work?

Copper-infused water, also known as Tamra Jal, is created by storing drinking water in a pure copper vessel for a period of time, typically 6 to 8 hours or overnight. During this time, small amounts of copper ions naturally leach into the water through a process known as the oligodynamic effect. This effect allows the water to absorb some of the metal's properties, which proponents claim offers a variety of wellness benefits. Historically, this method has been used in ancient cultures, including Ayurveda and ancient Egypt, for its presumed water-purifying and therapeutic properties. Modern interest in this practice is growing as people seek natural and traditional ways to support their health.

The Science Behind Copper's Action

While some claims surrounding copper water are rooted in tradition, several scientifically supported mechanisms explain copper's effectiveness:

Potent Antimicrobial Properties: Copper is scientifically proven to have strong antimicrobial capabilities. Studies have shown that storing contaminated water in copper vessels can significantly reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, making the water safer to drink. The copper ions destroy the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, effectively sterilizing the water. This makes copper a valuable tool for water purification, especially in areas with limited access to clean water.
Enhanced Antioxidant Action: Copper is a cofactor for several enzymes with powerful antioxidant functions, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). By helping to neutralize free radicals, copper plays a role in reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage throughout the body. This antioxidant benefit is often associated with anti-aging effects on the skin.
Support for Enzyme Function: Beyond its role in antioxidants, copper is a critical component of many other enzymes. These enzymes are vital for processes like energy production, connective tissue synthesis, and iron metabolism.

Potential Health Benefits of Copper Water

Incorporating copper-infused water into a healthy diet may offer several nutritional advantages, according to traditional practices and emerging research. These include:

Improved Digestive Health: The antimicrobial properties of copper can help cleanse and detoxify the stomach, potentially reducing inflammation and killing harmful bacteria that can cause indigestion, ulcers, and infection. It is also believed to stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the stomach muscles that aids in the proper movement and digestion of food.
Enhanced Skin Health: Copper is integral to the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for maintaining the elasticity and structure of the skin. Regular consumption may support skin regeneration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin pigmentation. Some skincare products even contain copper peptides for their anti-aging effects.
Boosted Immunity: As an essential trace mineral, copper plays a vital role in immune function. It aids in the production of white blood cells and enhances the body's defense against infections and illnesses.
Supports Cardiovascular Health: Copper helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels by supporting proper blood vessel function and preventing arterial plaque formation. A deficiency can lead to cardiovascular problems, making adequate intake important for heart health.
Regulates Thyroid Gland Function: A lack of copper can cause imbalances in the thyroid gland's functioning. Ensuring proper copper levels can help balance the thyroid and regulate hormonal secretions.
Aids Brain Function: Copper is essential for efficient communication between brain cells by helping with the synthesis of neurotransmitters. This can lead to improved brain function, including better memory and cognitive performance.
Fights Inflammation: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, copper-infused water may help alleviate joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Proper Usage and Precautions

To safely enjoy the potential benefits of copper water, proper preparation and moderation are key. While a trace element, excessive copper intake can be toxic and lead to serious health issues.

How to Prepare Copper-Infused Water

Use a High-Quality Vessel: Always use a pure, unlined copper vessel. Lined bottles prevent the copper from interacting with the water, defeating the purpose.
Clean Thoroughly: Before first use, and regularly thereafter, clean the vessel with a natural acidic cleaner like a mixture of lemon juice and salt or tamarind paste. This removes tarnish (copper oxide) and ensures purity.
Store Plain Water Only: Only store plain, filtered, and room-temperature water. Avoid acidic liquids like juices, sodas, or hot beverages, as they can accelerate the leaching of copper, potentially to toxic levels.
Time the Infusion: For optimal infusion, store water for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. Longer storage times can lead to excessive copper leaching.
Practice Moderation: It is recommended to consume no more than 2-3 glasses (about 1 litre) of copper-infused water per day. Cycling between copper and other safe vessels like glass can help prevent excessive intake over time.

Comparison of Water Storage Vessels


Feature	Copper Vessel	Stainless Steel Bottle	Glass Bottle
Cost	More Expensive	Generally Affordable	Affordable
Durability	Less durable, prone to dents	Highly Durable	Fragile, can break easily
Weight	Heavier than stainless steel	Lightweight	Varies, can be heavy
Health Benefits	Antimicrobial, potential for digestive/skin benefits	Non-reactive, no mineral infusion	Non-reactive, no mineral infusion
Maintenance	Requires regular cleaning to remove tarnish	Easy to clean, dishwasher safe	Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
Use Case	Best for overnight storage and limited daily intake	Ideal for everyday, on-the-go hydration	Excellent for purity and chemical-free storage

Risks of Excessive Copper Intake

While essential for health, an excess of copper can be harmful. The tolerable upper intake level for adults is set at 10 mg per day. Acute copper toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chronic high exposure can lead to more severe issues, including liver and kidney damage. Individuals with certain genetic disorders, like Wilson's disease, cannot properly excrete copper and should avoid copper vessels altogether. As with any health practice, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for pregnant individuals or those with pre-existing conditions.

Conclusion: Navigating the Benefits of Copper Water

The practice of drinking water from copper vessels is an age-old tradition rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, supported by modern scientific findings on copper's antimicrobial and enzymatic roles. Many of the reported benefits, from improved digestion and skin health to enhanced immunity, are linked to copper's functions as an essential trace mineral. However, the key to safely enjoying copper water is moderation and proper preparation. By understanding the correct way to infuse and consume this water, and being mindful of the risks associated with excessive intake, one can safely integrate this practice into a broader, healthy nutritional approach.

Important Information: Copper and Your Health

For a deeper understanding of copper's role in the body and its recommended daily intake, you can explore the information provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Office of Dietary Supplements - Copper

Frequently Asked Questions

For optimal and safe results, water should be stored in a copper vessel for 6 to 8 hours. Leaving it for longer can increase copper leaching, potentially leading to excessive intake.

Yes, excessive consumption can lead to copper toxicity, which may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The tolerable upper intake limit for adults is 10 mg per day from all sources.

No, it is not safe to store hot water or acidic liquids like juice or coffee in a copper vessel. Heat and acidity accelerate the leaching of copper, which can make the liquid unsafe for consumption.

Clean copper vessels with a natural acidic solution, such as a mixture of lemon juice and salt or tamarind paste. Use a soft brush for the interior and rinse thoroughly with plain water.

Yes, they are generally safe for daily use when following proper guidelines, such as limiting consumption to 1-2 liters and allowing the water to sit for the recommended time. It is advisable to alternate with other types of containers to prevent excessive copper buildup.

Copper plays a crucial role in the production of collagen and elastin, which maintain skin elasticity. Drinking copper-infused water can help regenerate skin cells, reduce fine lines, and improve pigmentation.

Copper kills bacteria through the 'oligodynamic effect,' where copper ions interact with and damage the cell membranes of microbes, preventing them from surviving and reproducing.

Signs of acute copper toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. More severe cases can lead to liver or kidney damage.

Individuals with copper metabolism disorders, like Wilson's disease, or pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using copper vessels. Those with existing liver or kidney conditions should also be cautious.