The anti-microbial benefits of copper are now well known. This property is now being well used by medical centers around the world to minimize infections. It is quite useful in preventing infection in hospitals which have patients with a plethora of pathogens. While keeping the hands clean is still the best way to avoid infection (touching causes the most infections), it is very difficult to keep washing hands in a busy hospital which is always under-staffed. The idea to upgrade to copper surfaces for articles which are frequently touched like the bed rails in hospital is quite useful. This might seem expensive in the beginning but saves effort and money and also helps keep infection away in the long run.
Why Replace Standard Surfaces with Copper Surface?
Pathogens can survive and multiply on standard surfaces in spite of the regular cleaning. This is a risky proposition for everyone in the medical center – doctors, staff and the patients. These infections are commonly known as HCAI (health Care Associated Infections) and have a huge cost financially and also to human life. Almost 20% of patients will contract HCAI and 50% of them died worldwide.
Copper as a metal does not require to me medicated. Copper is inherently having anti-microbial properties. Many alloys made of copper like brass and bronze also have this property. The surfaces of bed rails, poles, door handles and chair arms are frequently touched by hand. Replacing the common surface with a copper or copper alloy surface can help reduce infection. In combination with regular cleaning and hygiene the method is proving very effective in many health care centers around the world. Clinical research has also proven that copper and its alloys can make a difference in preventing HCAI up to 90%.
Using Copper Utensils and Copper Ware
In addition to using copper surfaces, the scientists also suggest using copper alloy and pure copper utensils. This is due to the fact that copper has many health benefits apart from being anti-microbial. The red metal is often used in tandem with gemstones, and used for making wearable jewellery. This jewelry is believed to have healing effect on the individual wearing it. The popularity in the western world began in the early 70s. It was medically proven that it was very effective way to treat arthritis and rheumatic disease. The metal was also proven to improve blood circulation, increase energy, detoxify body, reduce inflammation and stabilized metabolism.
The copper molecules fight off the free radicals which are responsible for ageing of the body cells. This property is known as anti-oxidant property. It also helps reduce cell damage thus preserving youthful features and health for a longer period. Washing wounds with copper charged water help the wound heal quicker as it reduces the growth rate of germs. Our ancestors used copper paste for healing wounds.
Copper is very critical metal for the proper metabolism in the body. The amount required is around 1.5 mg per day which is known as a trace in medical terms. Unlike other elements, copper cannot be produced by our body so the supply comes from diet. Food items like honey, beans and green vegetables are rich sources of copper. But these foods also contain very little copper and most of the times it is not enough. So, what is the solution? The best way to keep the requirement of copper in the body fulfilled is to drink the right amount of water stored in the copper vessel. Copper dissolves in water slowly, and when water is drunk after storing overnight in the vessel it has a positive effect on balancing the three doshas. The water stored in copper vessels is known as Tamara jal.