Copper vessels have long been a cherished part of Indian culture, particularly within Ayurveda, where they are believed to provide several health benefits. These include antimicrobial properties and the ability to balance the body’s doshas, promoting overall wellness. One well-known Ayurvedic tradition is drinking tamra jal, or copper-infused water, early in the morning, which is thought to boost digestion and detoxify the body. In recent years, the trend of using copper bottles and vessels has gained popularity, especially among health-conscious individuals looking to incorporate ancient wisdom into their modern routines.
However, in the midst of this health trend, a common practice adding lemon juice to copper vessels has raised significant concerns. While it may appear to be a simple wellness hack, mixing lemon and copper can have harmful consequences for your health. This practice, which is believed to speed up the detox process, is actually more likely to trigger unwanted chemical reactions that can compromise your health.
Why Mixing Lemon and Copper is Harmful
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is highly reactive with metals like copper. When lemon juice is stored in a copper vessel, the acid in the lemon interacts with the copper, leading to a chemical reaction. This reaction forms copper salts, such as copper citrate or copper nitrate, which dissolve into the liquid. These salts significantly alter the composition of the water and can have adverse health effects when consumed.
According to research from the American Chemical Society, copper readily undergoes redox reactions when exposed to acidic substances like citric acid. This reaction leads to the formation of compounds that are not only toxic but can also leach into the water, making it unsafe for consumption. The high acidity of lemon juice accelerates this leaching process, increasing the copper content in the water, which can exceed safe levels.
The Health Risks of Drinking Lemon Water from Copper Vessels
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set a safe limit for copper concentration in drinking water at 2 mg per liter. A study published in the journal Applied Water Science found that copper concentrations in water stored in copper containers ranged from 0.009 to 0.823 mg per liter, depending on the duration of storage and the acidity of the water. While these levels may be within safe limits for plain water, the presence of acidic substances like lemon juice significantly increases copper leaching, making the water unsafe to drink.
Excessive copper intake can lead to a variety of health problems. According to the Food Science Nutrition journal, ingesting high amounts of copper can cause:
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Gastrointestinal distress
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Liver damage
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Neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion
In Ayurveda, drinking copper-infused water is believed to have detoxifying and antimicrobial properties. However, the addition of acidic substances like lemon juice disrupts this balance, potentially leading to the formation of ama (toxins) that affect digestion and immunity. Ayurvedic expert Dr. Poorvi Bhat explains that tamra jal should only be made with plain water stored in copper vessels overnight, not with acidic ingredients like lemon, tamarind, or vinegar. The acidic reaction from lemon juice can disrupt the body’s internal balance, leading to digestive issues and compromised immunity.
Lemon: A Cleaning Agent, Not a Drinking Companion for Copper
Interestingly, while lemon juice is often used to clean tarnished copper vessels due to its citric acid content, it should never be consumed from a copper vessel. Lemon’s citric acid dissolves oxidation stains and restores the shine of copper items. However, when consumed after reacting with copper, it can lead to copper toxicity. This is why lemon is effective for cleaning copper but should never be used for drinking from copper vessels.
How to Safely Clean Copper Vessels Using Lemon Juice
If you're looking to clean your tarnished copper vessels, lemon juice can be a helpful tool. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to clean your copperware using lemon:
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Cut the lemon in half and sprinkle salt generously on the cut side.
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Rub the salted lemon directly onto the tarnished copper surface using circular motions. The citric acid breaks down oxidation, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
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For stubborn tarnish, let the lemon juice sit on the surface for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing again.
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Wash the copper item with warm water to remove any residue.
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Dry the utensil thoroughly with a soft cloth to avoid water spots. Avoid air-drying the copper, as it may form spots.
Keep Copper Water Plain and Lemon Water Separate
To ensure that you are benefiting from both copper and lemon water without compromising your health, it’s important to keep them separate. Copper vessels are ideal for storing plain water overnight, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of copper-infused water. On the other hand, lemon water should be stored in non-reactive vessels like stainless steel, glass, or ceramic containers.
By following these simple guidelines, you can continue to enjoy the wellness benefits of both copper and lemon without triggering harmful chemical reactions. Remember, wisdom lies not just in the rituals we follow but also in how we practice them. Keep copper water plain and lemon water in a safe container, and you'll be able to enjoy the full benefits of both in your daily routine.
