Glass, Plastic, Aluminum or Clay. Which is healthiest for water?

Plastic water containers

Plastic water containers are the most popular means of storing water these days. They come in various forms like water dispenser bottles, nylon sachets, jerry cans, drums, and so on. These various forms of storage vary in appearance but ultimately they are all derived from petrochemicals (i.e. crude oil). The basic problem is that water stored in plastics will absorb a small amount of these petrochemicals. Some of these chemicals are extremely harmful to the body such as bisphenol-A and phthalates.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) behaves like the hormone estrogen in the body. Consuming water tainted with BPA contributes to a hormonal imbalance known as estrogen dominance (i.e. too much estrogen in the body). BPA has been found to raise blood pressure and blood sugar. It also causes the accumulation of fat in the belly. For pregnant women, BPA exposure can lead to various birth defects. And for women generally, it can cause infertility and increased risk of fibroids, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. For men, BPA has been found to reduce sperm count and lower sex drive.
Phthalates also cause hormonal imbalances in the body. This chemical has been linked to a host of health challenges like infertility and various cancers. In short, it is wise to avoid drinking water stored in any plastics.

Aluminum containers

Aluminum containers such as cans or kegs are not a good medium to store drinking water. This is because aluminum reacts chemically with water and releases very tiny particles of aluminum known as ions. Aluminum ions are very toxic in the body and are especially poisonous to the brain. They can cause headaches and skin irritations. Long term consumption of aluminum tainted water can lead to memory loss, behavioral problems and joint stiffness.

Copper

Storing water in pure copper vessels has a long history in South Asian countries like India and Pakistan. When water is stored in copper vessels, the copper gently leaches into the water and lends it many health enhancing properties. Copper can destroy many water-borne disease causing bacteria, yeast, and viruses effectively. In this way, it ensures that your drinking water is free from any contamination. Copper also helps with the process of digestion. However excess amounts of copper can be deleterious to several organ systems including the kidneys.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel can be used to safely store drinking water for a long time. However, most of the drinking water we consume these days is slightly acidic. This low level acidity can cause stainless steel vessels to leach out toxic metals like nickel and cadmium. These metals are especially harmful to your kidneys.

Animal Skin Water Pouches and Plant Gourds

Animal hides and plant gourds have been used to store water since time immemorial. They are an ideal water storage vessel because they are all-natural. The substances they leach into water are organic and therefore non-toxic. Once again, our ancestors know best.

Clay vessels

Clay jars and pots might seem archaic to most, but they are by far the best way to store drinking water. Clay vessels have a natural water cooling effect because they contain very tiny pores that draw out heat. Clay can also bind and neutralize many toxins present in the water such as heavy metals like lead and arsenic; petrochemicals like BPA; and even bacterial toxins. In addition, clay vessels release small amounts of various health enhancing minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, silica, iron, potassium, and many more. The health benefits of storing water in clay vessels are truly remarkable. This is a clear example of the benefits of heeding ancestral wisdom.

After reading this, you may be tempted to get a clay pot right away! Well, what are you waiting for! Are you ready to use clay pot for drinking water? Remember that these pots are handmade, and there is a good chance all the best ones are already taken. We hope you enjoyed reading this. Do you agree with the list? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Health Benefits Of Using Clay Water Pot

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