It is already known that copper kitchenware has been used by many for a long time. Its properties, benefits, and how to care for pure copper utensils– are eventually understood. From all, the antibacterial effect the copper utensils have is highly appreciated. The metal has the tendency to fight different bacteria and fungi; however, does not let the food to leach. Before people used copper jugs to store the water and they considered it as a disinfectant. Many are practicing even now!
There are many studies that have revealed that copper copes up with E. coli. and Salmonella strains effectively. Hence, the food that gets cooked in a copper pan is disinfectant and maintains gut health.
History speaks eloquently about the ability of copper to destroy pathogens. During the plague and cholera epidemics, people working and living in copper mines, and later in copper factories, remained healthy, while everyone around them died in thousands.
And in vain. After all, copper dishes not only look gorgeous and rich in the kitchen but also have properties that are very useful for the human body. And its correct use will help solve many health problems.
Why does our body need copper?
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the trace element copper (Cu) for the body. It takes part in the work of almost all systems and organs:
- participates in the creation of collagen, which is necessary for maintaining the tone of the skin and ligaments
- strengthens bone tissue, protecting against osteoporosis
- improves the elasticity and strength of the vessel walls of our circulatory system
- keeps nails and hair in good condition
- participates in hematopoiesis
Needed for:
- ensuring communication between nerve cells
- maintaining immunity
- normalization of the thyroid gland
- ensuring the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Normally, a person with food receives a sufficient amount of copper. But in some cases, you will have to take this microelement additionally: with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, smokers, with frequent alcohol consumption, with extensive burns and fractures. In these cases, additional use of copper preparations is required. Only a doctor can prescribe the right remedy and dosage.
Beneficial features of pure copper utensils
Copper kitchen utensils of all kinds began to be made not just because of their beautiful luster. One of the main advantages of copper is the best thermal conductivity among the metals from which the dishes are made, as well as its high heat capacity. Copper has excellent thermal conductivity (392 W). For comparison, aluminum (225 W), stainless steel – (16 W). Heat quickly spreads from the bottom of the pan to its walls.
Uniform heating
Copper reacts very quickly to temperature changes, which allows for the most accurate control of cooking. Compared to other metal cookware, copper kitchenware heats up faster. Uniform heating of copper cookware is another significant advantage. Dishes such as steaks or cutlets will be fried, according to the recipe, evenly over their entire surface. At the same time, the cooking time is reduced by about 30%, and this, in turn, allows you to save more vitamins and nutrients in the finished dish. Copper cookware cools down very quickly, which is more than important for the quality cooking of dishes, especially shrimp or garlic. The heating process of such products should be abruptly stopped for them to retain their taste and properties.
Improving taste
Saturated with microparticles of copper, products cooked in such dishes acquire a special taste that cannot be repeated in pots and pans made of any other metal.
High antibacterial properties
Copper is capable of oxidizing with oxygen molecules, having a detrimental effect on E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, even without the use of high temperatures. Thus, if you use a copper surface to cut vegetables, the copper will exhibit its disinfectant properties. This quality was noticed by people many years ago and was especially appreciated in hot countries – food left in copper dishes could stay at room temperature all day and did not spoil. Therefore, using copper cookware can reduce the risk of intestinal infections.
Better Circulation
The metals make the human body easily immerse the iron. Then, it releases it as required to important organs such as the liver. Copper is responsible for regulating and improving blood flow circulation by preserving iron levels in the blood. Accordingly, there will be a maintenance of proper Red blood cell count and suitable oxidation in the internal organs.
Antiseptic effect
Moreover, it has been proven that copper, like silver, has an antiseptic effect. Even before the invention of antiseptics, it was used to disinfect and prevent infections, for example, during the plague epidemic. In 2008, the bactericidal properties of copper were officially recognized – according to the results of research conducted by the “American Environmental Protection Agency”.
Aids in weight loss and anti-cancer
Including copper in your diet assists in weight loss. The metal aids in regulating the digestive system, oxidizing the fat and eliminating it perfectly.
As per the American Cancer Society, copper has significant anti-cancer effects. It has antioxidant properties and can fight free radicals that are responsible for cancer.
Balance the Three Doshas
Water stored in the rounded copper jug gets positively charged and is rich in natural antioxidants. It aids in balancing the three doshas (Kapha, Vata, and pitta) of the human body.
Significance of water stored in a rounded copper jug
It is already said that water kept in a copper vessel has antibacterial and antifungal properties. But this is far from all the usefulness of its use. When used correctly, this water will help regulate most of the body’s systems:
- It has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels. Copper helps in stabilizing blood pressure, heart rate, and fights the formation of cholesterol plaques;
- Stimulates the work of the brain and the entire nervous system;
- Stimulates intestinal motility, destroys pathogenic microflora in the gastrointestinal tract;
- Normalizes the thyroid gland;
- Normalizes the functioning of the liver and kidneys, helps to cleanse them;
- Promotes wound healing;
- Promotes the production of elastin and collagen, thereby maintaining bones and tendons in “working” condition;
- Helps with inflammation of the joints, providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects;
- Fights anemia by improving the absorption of iron by the body;
- Promotes the renewal of body tissues, slowing down aging;
- Protects against early gray hair.
Pure copper utensils – the choice of professionals
Chefs at all times have chosen this metal as the most suitable for cooking. The alloy heats evenly and quickly and can keep the heat for a long time. In fact, these characteristics of copper cookware indicate that a small fire is sufficient to roast dishes or brew coffee perfectly. Many fickle recipes and foods, with desserts and sauces, are more suitable than cooking without copper—mainly to control the temperature ingeniously.
We hope that this information will be useful! It will be a pleasure to receive feedback from you all. Thanks for reading!