Age-old traditions and science give immense importance to the metals that our cooking utensils are made of. While modern living has made us turn towards the more convenient steel, glass and non-stick cookware, old-school utensils are noted to hold therapeutic benefits, whether you use them for cooking, or to eat your meals. Also, did you know that the modern day kitchenware could even be detrimental to the health of your skin? Here's how you can incorporate some pure metals (and clay) into your kitchen to boost health and longevity...

Most of you'll cooks will know that this is the best metal for cooking rice. Also, store water overnight in a copper utensil, and drink your first glass from this to enjoy the benefits of this wonderful metal. Science has now proved that copper-rich foods boost collagen. Therefore, this metal offers advantages for the skin too. Apparently, copper helps detoxify the body, it helps increase haemoglobin, improves the secretion of bile and the peristaltic movements of the gut to aid digestion as well!

This ancient metal is barely used these days. However, it offers immense benefits. It pacifies vata (dry skin, nervous temperament, irritability) and pitta. It also helps reduce obesity, improve eyesight and skin condition. It is one of the best vessels to cook and eat in too but always remember that you cannot use ghee in a bronze vessel.

Eating out of real silverware will calm down your temperament and your complexion. Did you'll also know that even kajal should be stored in a silver container? Silver is good for people who have dizziness and excessive thirst. It calms down inflammation and increases sperm count too.

While brass is still used in villages, it is not used much in the cities anymore. Age-old techniques dictate that water stored in brass utensils help increase strength and immunity. In addition, it also helps pacify pitta (burning sensations, aggression), increases haemoglobin count, and improves the general condition of your skin.

Believe it or not, there was a time when people actually ate with gold spoons and plates. They, of course, used to be royalty. It is beneficial for the overall rejuvenation of the body and is also known to enhance memory, making it helpful for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Clay utensils provide numerous health benefits and they can be used for cooking and eating. You can even store and drink water out of a clay vessel to enjoy its perks. Especially in the summer, it helps keep water cool and fresh. Also, clay is another form of earth and when using it to cook, it takes you that much closer to the other five elements.