Kansa or bronze (bell metal) utensils are known to be one of the most hygienic types of metals to use in the kitchen, due to its purifying properties – as per Ayurveda. Unlike copper or bronze that react to acidic substances like lemon, tamarind, yoghurt and tomatoes, kansa utensils are known to be safe against chemical reactions with food. Apart from its purifying properties, Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend eating meals from kansa utensils due to its stress-relieving capacity as well as the health benefits it allows the user to gain.
It is believed that eating or drinking from bell metal utensils can help balance the body’s three doshas – vatta, pitta and kapha. Consuming food or drink from kansa utensils have been famously documented in the Hindu scriptures using the term Kansyam Buddhivardhakam – meaning, the bell metal sharpens our intellect. It was also known as Lakshmipradham, in ancient times, indicating that those who had kansa utensils in the kitchen were blessed with abundance from Goddess Lakshmi.
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Crafted from an alloy of copper and tin, kansa utensils are known for its durability. The ductile alloy also must be cleaned immediately after use, in order to preserve its gold-like sheen. Although specific cleaners are available to clean these utensils, it is best to use a mild cleaning powder or a mixture of flour and vinegar to remove any residual stains. A mixture of lime and baking soda is also known to be extremely effective in preserving the shine, as well as acting as a cleaning agent for bell metal utensils. Here are some of the health benefits of eating and drinking in kansa tableware:
Improves Gut Health
Food stored in kansa utensils are known to curb acidity, promote digestion as well as purify the food. Eating meals or drinking water from bell metal plates and glasses also help in aiding the process of digestion.
Cardiovascular Health
Consuming food off of bell metal plates is excellent to regulate blood pressure along with having other positive side effects like curbing anaemia. The metal, on being used regularly for eating or drinking purposes, can also improve and control cardiovascular strength.
Skin Health
The anti-ageing properties of bell metal utensils helps in restoring skin quality and aids in the regeneration of healthy skin. Using kansa plates for eating on a regular basis slows down the ageing process and helps in keeping a check on melanin production.
Positively Charged Water
Water stored in kansa glasses or bottles can be kept untouched for long periods of time, without having to worry about the quality of water deteriorating. When stored in a bronze jug or pot for eight hours or more, the liquid becomes charged positively – helping balance the tridoshas.
Immunity Boosting
Bell metal used for eating and drinking has therapeutic properties, giving it the potency to destroy harmful micro-organisms and enabling stress relief. Using the metal on a regular basis for culinary purposes encourages holistic improvement in mental and physical well-being.
Copper For Body
Since copper makes up for 78% of the kansa alloy, bronze utensils help in managing and meeting the body’s need for copper as a nutrient. This mineral helps in the functioning of thyroid glands and encourages the formation of collagen – a key component of bones and connective tissues.
Weight Loss
If you’re looking to lose weight effectively, drinking water from a kansa tumbler has proven to be effective in aiding weight loss. The copper from the bronze metal helps in breaking down the fat molecules in our bodies and also assists in a healthy weight loss process.