Every summer, the humble earthen pitcher, or matka, takes center stage in many households. It’s an age-old tradition to store water in these clay pots, not just for the earthy taste but also for their purported health benefits. But are these claims backed by science, or are they simply rooted in tradition?

One of the main perks of matkas lies in their natural cooling properties. Clay pots are porous, allowing water to slowly evaporate from their surface, thus cooling the water inside. This chilled water not only quenches your thirst but might also aid digestion.

Why digestion, you ask? Well, it turns out that drinking water at a moderate temperature, like the kind you get from a matka, is gentle on the digestive system. Extremely cold water can tighten blood vessels and slow down digestion. However, matka water, being mildly cool, can keep things moving smoothly in your gut.

Matka water is also said to have a mildly alkaline nature, which could help balance the body’s pH levels, reducing acidity and preventing issues like acid reflux and heartburn. Plus, drinking room temperature or slightly cool water from a matka can give your metabolism a little boost. Unlike water straight from the fridge, which might slow down your metabolic rate, matka water helps maintain an optimal metabolism, aiding in better nutrient absorption and keeping your energy levels up.

Apart from health benefits, using clay pots instead of plastic or metal containers is also eco-friendly. It reduces the amount of plastic waste and lowers the carbon footprint associated with making and recycling plastic bottles.

But let’s address the claims about reducing bad cholesterol and controlling blood pressure. While these ideas are deeply ingrained in tradition, there’s not much scientific evidence to back them up directly. However, staying hydrated with refreshing matka water can indirectly support heart health and might have a mild effect on blood pressure regulation.

So, while the jury may still be out on some claims, there’s no denying the joy of sipping cool water from a clay pitcher on a hot summer day. And in the end, staying hydrated is key to overall health, whether it’s from a matka or any other source.