Did you know that drinking water from a copper pitcher has some amazing health benefits? I certainly didn’t until a few weeks ago. When I first heard of the Shantiva copper pitcher, I was sold on the aesthetics alone, which just so happens to go quite nicely with my copper-infused kitchen and I didn’t even get to the health benefits or reading more about the natural alkaline properties of water in a copper pitcher.

In my defense, the Shantiva copper pitcher is show-stoppingly beautiful. Each of their copper pitchers are unique artistic creations, handmade with care so they truly are functional art pieces for your home. But, their pitchers aren’t just beautiful, they are also exceptionally well made, constructed by hand from a single sheet of pure copper with absolutely no joints or seams. That is why they can guarantee that your pitcher from them will last a lifetime and be the last water pitcher you own.

Why drink from a copper pitcher?

According to ancient Ayurvedic health principles, water stored in a copper pitcher {known as “tamra jal”} balances the three doshas in your body {vata, kapha and pitta}. Scientifically speaking, storing water in a copper pitcher essentially creates a natural alkaline water, which has so many health benefits many swear by. What benefits, you ask? Here’s some information from the Shantiva website about how storing water in copper vessels can improve your health.

Enhances Digestion

Drinking water stored in a copper water pitcher can be very good for the digestive system. In particular, the water cleanses the stomach and digestive tract and helps detoxify the liver and kidneys. It is speculated that it also enhances the absorption of minerals and nutrients from food and helps encourage healthy rhythmic digestive cycles. Water from a copper pitcher may also eliminate harmful bacteria, which can in turn help prevent stomach aches and poor digestion.

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Numerous scientific studies have determined that copper has incredible anti-bacterial and anti-viral characteristics. In particular, copper is well-known to be very effective against E.coli and other harmful bacteria that causes very serious illnesses. In fact, scientists have recently found that using a copper jug will keep water pure and contaminant free and thereby significantly decrease the risk of bacterial infection. It is precisely for this reason that copper water vessels have been used for centuries for the purpose of avoiding water-borne illnesses.

Increased Anti-Oxidants

When water is stored in a copper pitcher, it becomes charged and infused with anti-oxidants. Those anti-oxidants help the body produce new skin cells and fight off free radicals which can accelerate to the appearance of aging. Using a copper pitcher slows the aging process by diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, anti-oxidants can help prevent cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society has conducted studies which show that copper has significant anti-cancer effects on the body.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Recent scientific studies have also shown that copper helps lower the risk of developing heart disease, aids in the proper regulation of blood pressure, and helps lower cholesterol levels. Copper also helps prevent the accumulation of harmful plaque in the arteries and dilates blood vessels to allow for improved flow of blood to the heart and other vital organs.

Supports Thyroid Health

Studies have demonstrated that many people that experience health issues with their thyroid gland often suffer from a copper deficiency in their body. While copper deficiency is most common in those with hyperthyroidism, it can also be common with people that experience hypothyroidism. Drinking water from a copper pitcher can help remedy a copper deficiency and thereby support the health of your thyroid gland.

Stimulates the Brain

Copper is a well-known brain stimulant, which means that it helps you work faster and more efficiently. Your brain works by transmitting impulses between neurons through an area known as the synapses. These neurons are covered by myelin sheaths that act as a kind of conductive agent that aid in the flow of impulses. Studies have shown that copper is an essential ingredient needed for the formation of those sheaths.

Prevents Arthritis and Inflammation

Copper has very significant anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, drinking from a copper pitcher can help avoid and relieve aches and pains caused by arthritis, rheumatism, and inflamed joints. In addition, copper helps keep the bones strong, which makes it an excellent aid for arthritis and similar conditions.

Helps Keep Your Skin Healthy and Clear

Copper is the key component in the production of new cells that help replenish the top layers of your skin and keep it fresh and glowing. The production of new cells promotes smooth, blemish-free and clear skin. Experts say that drinking water from a copper water pitcher on a regular basis, especially early in the morning, can make a very significant difference to the health of your skin.

How to use the Shantiva Copper Pitcher

You simply fill your Shantiva pitcher with regular tap water and let it sit overnight so the pH of the water can increase and you can have naturally alkaline water with Shantiva copper pitcher. They recommend letting it sit for 8-16 hours, which studies show can increase the pH of the water while the other attributes of the water remained unchanged.

If you would like to add fruit infusions or other flavors, you simply pour water from the pitcher first and then add any extra flavors to your water glass. Adding acidy fruits to the pitcher itself is not advised, but as long as you add them afterwards, it’s fine. The same is true for ice, and you can simply add them to the individual glasses as you pour them.

If your Shantiva copper pitcher patinas over time, they even give instructions on how to restore your pitcher to its former lustre. Using only lemons and salt, your pitcher can remain as gorgeous as the day it arrived after sitting on your counter for years. I tried their method of lemon and salt on my copper kettle and I can attest that it works wonders – and I love that it’s natural and doesn’t hurt the copper finish. If you like the patina, simply leave as-is and let your copper slowly darken with deep rich tones.

Bonus reasons to try a Shantiva copper pitcher

Anti-bacterial properties

Numerous studies have shown that copper has incredible anti-bacterial properties and copper pitchers are naturally self-sterilizing. One recent study detailed drinking water stored in a copper water pitcher compared to that in a glass pitcher where researchers began by contaminating the drinking water. The researchers then left the water in the pitchers for 16 hours at room temperature. Following the 16 hour storage period, no bacteria could be recovered from the copper pitcher, but bacteria was found in the glass bottles.

It helps track your water consumption

Wondering if you’re drinking enough water these days? How about challenging yourself to drink a pitcher or more a day of fresh, naturally alkaline water. Seeing the copper pitcher on your counter encourages you to drink more, and you can quickly see your progress by checking your water levels. When it’s empty at the end of the day, you simply refill it again for tomorrow and you will wake up to alkaline water.

It tastes great

I tend to be picky about my water and have a hard time drinking water when we travel or when it’s been sitting out for any length of time. Knowing this, I was absolutely certain I was going to dislike the taste of water from the copper pitcher after it was sitting out all day. I was pleasantly surprised. Even my friend, a self-proclaimed “water snob” loved the taste of water from the copper pitcher and is now a believer.

Superior quality

Unlike other knock-offs, Shantiva pitchers are made from pure copper, not plated like other brands. This means they don’t have toxic chemicals to worry about or any worry of the coatings flaking off, which gives you peace of mind. Shantiva pitchers are hammered by hand for two important reasons: to create a beautiful aesthetic that will look gorgeous in your kitchen or other living space, and to increase the surface area of copper on the inside of the pitcher which makes contact with the water stored within it. The greater the physical contact between the water and your copper pitcher, the greater the health benefits for you and your family.

In my weeks of using the Shantiva copper pitcher, I am extremely happy with it. I have been drinking far more water than I was before, and I realized that I actually prefer room temperature water {crazy, right?} because it doesn’t hurt my teeth and I can drink more at one time. And, although I haven’t done any scientific studies of my own, I just prefer the taste and love that there are so many potential benefits.

There are two sizes of Shantiva copper pitchers to choose from: the 1.5 litre pitchers {approximately 8 inches in height and approximately 4.5 inches in diameter} and the  2.1 litre pitchers {approximately 9.5 inches in height and approximately 5 inches in diameter}. I chose the bigger pitcher since I wanted my water to last nearly all day, but if you are pressed for space the smaller pitcher would be a good option.

You can buy Shantiva copper pitchers at shantiva.com. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter as well.