Fact Check: Can drinking water kept in a copper vessel cure high blood pressure?

Claim: An Instagram post claims that drinking water from a copper vessel can cure hypertension. The Instagram post by ayurvedic cures, suggests keeping water for some time in a copper vessel. It was further claimed that drinking water from copper vessel will cure high BP. The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check: This claim is FALSE

What is high blood pressure?

According to WHO, High blood pressure or Hypertension is when the pressure in blood vessels is high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not treated.

The risk factors of hypertension are genetics, overweight or obese, physical inactivity, age, high-salt diet and consumption of alcohol.

Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets such as excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese. In addition, there are environmental risk factors for hypertension and associated diseases, where air pollution is the most significant.

Non-modifiable risk factors include a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease. (1)

High blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle modifications, diet and certain medications as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner, but there is no cure for hypertension 

What is copper?

Copper is an essential trace mineral found in certain foods. The functions include to assist various enzymes that produce energy for the body, break down and absorb iron and build red blood cells, collagen, connective tissue, and brain neurotransmitters. Copper also supports normal brain development and immune functions, and is a component of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that dismantles harmful oxygen “free radicals.” Copper is absorbed in the small intestine and found mainly in bones and muscle tissue. (8)

Are there any benefits of drinking water from a copper vessel?

The use of copper vessel for safe drinking water has shown positive evidence both in traditional indian medicine as well as modern medicine. 

Copper has been recommended in Ayurveda for storing drinking water, known as "Tamra Jal" or "Copperised Water," due to its believed benefits of ionizing and energizing the water. According to Ayurvedic principles, storing water in copper vessels ionizes and energizes the water, which enhances its bioavailability and hydration capabilities. (7)

Modern Medicine studies also support use of copper for safe drikning water to a certain extent. A study published in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition indicates that copper holds the potential to provide microbially safe drinking water, especially in developing countries. (2)

Another article published by Jayalakshmi et. Al. in Biomedicine highlights the antibacterial activity of copper, possibly due to its oligodynamic effect which is the ability of small amounts of heavy metals to exert a lethal effect on bacterial cells.

The study suggests that copper's antibacterial properties can be highly beneficial for storing drinking water, particularly in rural and low-income areas where access to clean and safe water is limited. (3)

Dietary Guidelines published by ICMR suggests that copper vessels can be used for cooking, however, storing acidic foods like pickles, chutneys, sambar, sol khadi, Khatti dal and others in copper vessels for prolonged time can make consumption of such foods unsafe. (9)

However, like all material, consumption of copper has to be in moderation. 

With the scientific evidence highlighting benefits of consumption of copper leeched water it was also found to the contrary in a review paper published in Research Journal of Recent Sciences that excessive consumption of water stored in copper vessels over a long period can lead to copper toxicity. Chronic copper poisoning can have adverse health effects, including liver and kidney damage. (6)

Can drinking water kept in a copper vessel cure high blood pressure?

In many scientific studies it has been found that water kept in copper vessels enhances anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of water. However, there were no studies found which indicated that high blood pressure can be cured by drinking water from copper vessel.

A research article published by Mrigendra M. Bastola et. Al. in the Journal of Animal, Science and Biotechnology found no association between copper and hypertension. (5)

What do experts say?

Responding to the claim, Dr Prem Aggarwal, Cardiologist and Chairman of Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi, said, "While copper is an essential trace mineral important for the immune system, iron metabolism, and other functions, the amount ingested from water stored in copper vessels is minimal and has not been proven to significantly impact high blood pressure. There is no scientific basis for the claim that copper-infused water can cure hypertension. Effective management of hypertension requires evidence-based lifestyle changes and medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals. Relying on unproven methods can delay appropriate treatment and lead to serious health complications."

How is hypertension or high blood pressure managed?

Dr Manav Aggarwal, Interventional Cardiologist at Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi, explained, “ Hypertension cannot be cured, only managed. Managing hypertension requires a comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle changes with medication, depending upon the patient's condition. Dietary adjustments, such as reducing sodium intake, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and limiting saturated fats and processed foods, are crucial. Regular moderate-intensity exercise for example- brisk walking for 30 minutes on most days is beneficial. It is also vital to reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking, as both habits can worsen hypertension. Incorporating stress management practices, including meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can significantly help. In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient, medication may be necessary."

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Scientific studies show that copper has antimicrobial properties. However, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that drinking water from a copper vessel can cure hypertension. On the contrary, long-term use of water stored in copper vessels can even lead to copper toxicity, which can cause serious health issues such as liver and kidney damage.

Hence, the claim that copper-infused water can cure hypertension is FALSE.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension

2. Sudha VB, Ganesan S, Pazhani GP, Ramamurthy T, Nair GB, Venkatasubramanian P. Storing drinking-water in copper pots kills contaminating diarrhoeagenic bacteria. J Health Popul Nutr. 2012 Mar;30(1):17-21. doi: 10.3329/jhpn.v30i1.11271. PMID: 22524115; PMCID: PMC3312355.

3. Srikumar, R. (2018). Drinking Water Stored in Copper Vessel-Reveals Antibacterial Activity. Biomedicine, 38(1).

4. Wagh, K., Nagendra, A., & Vairagade, A. (2018). Study on antibacterial activity of various water storing vessels. Indian J Microbiol Res, 5, 213-7.

5. Bastola, M.M., Locatis, C., Maisiak, R. et al. Selenium, copper, zinc and hypertension: an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016). BMC Cardiovasc Disord 20, 45 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-020-01355-x

6. Badiye, A., Kapoor, N., & Khajuria, H. (2013). Copper toxicity: A comprehensive study. Research Journal of Recent Sciences, 2(ISC-2012), 58-67.

7. Nikam, M. (2020). A review on Tamra Jal or copperized water being useful in today’s lifestyle. Aayushi International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 7(3), 111.

8. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/copper/

9. https://main.icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/DGI_07th_May_2024_fin.pdf