Drinks to avoid having in a copper glass

Metal utensils have been a quintessential part of the Indian culinary heritage and most of these utensils were mindfully used to serve different types of foods, drinks and desserts, but little do we know that most of these metal utensils were a prized possession and were associated with health and healing. One such metal was copper, and since ages we have heard about the numerous benefits of consuming water from copper vessels and glasses, as per Ayurveda. However, there are some drinks that should never be served in a copper glass , and here’s all you need to know about the drinks that may lead to reactions. Read on to find out…


Why copper?
Since ages, we have been told about the umpteen benefits of eating in copper plates or drinking water from a copper lota/ glasses. In fact, in most Indian households it is still a daily ritual to drink from such glasses and this is because of copper’s antimicrobial and health-boosting properties. Here are some drinks that may instantly react when served in copper glasses and must be avoided at all costs. Read on…



Why avoid drinking certain drinks in copper glasses?
Copper is a highly reactive metal. When acidic or salty substances come in contact with it, they can cause oxidation, resulting in the release of copper ions into the drink. Excess copper intake may lead to copper toxicity , symptoms of which include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even liver or kidney damage over time. The risk increases especially when these drinks are left in copper glasses for extended periods or consumed regularly.

Nimbu Pani
Nimbu pani or lemon based drinks must be avoided as lemon is highly acidic due to its citric acid content. When stored or consumed in a copper glass, the acid reacts with copper and leads to leaching of copper ions into the drink. This not only alters the taste but can also be harmful to the stomach lining and liver in the long run. It’s best to use glass or stainless steel vessels for lemon-based drinks.


Curd-based drinks
Buttermilk, lassi, and other curd-based drinks have a natural lactic acid content. This mild acidity can cause a reaction with copper similar to that of citrus drinks. The interaction may lead to a metallic taste and promote the release of excess copper, which can disturb gut health and lead to digestive discomfort.

Vinegar based drinks
Any drink that contains vinegar such as detox tonics, herbal water infusions, or apple cider vinegar mixtures should never be consumed from copper vessels. Vinegar is highly acidic and reacts quickly with copper, which may cause the drink to become toxic over time. Always store such infusions in glass or food-grade ceramic containers.

Salty or electrolyte drinks
Drinks with added salt or natural sodium content, such as homemade electrolyte solutions or salted lemonades, can cause copper to corrode and leach into the liquid. Salts enhance the reactivity of the metal and can lead to both taste degradation and possible health issues like copper-induced nausea or toxicity.