Water is essential for human life, and it is necessary to keep the body hydrated. It is also vital that the water we drink is clean and safe for consumption. Two types of water have become popular in recent years, purified alkaline water and regular purified water. Although both types of water undergo the same purification process, there is a difference in the pH levels of the two types of water. In this article, we will discuss the differences between purified alkaline water and regular purified water and why people may prefer one over the other.
What is purified water?
Purified water is water that has been treated to remove impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and minerals. There are different methods to purify water, such as distillation, reverse osmosis, and filtration. Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the vapor, which is condensed and collected as purified water. Reverse osmosis uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from the water. Filtration uses different types of filters to remove impurities, including activated carbon filters and UV light.
Purified water is considered safe to drink, and it has a neutral pH level of 7.0, which is neither acidic nor alkaline. It is suitable for daily consumption and can be used for cooking, cleaning, and other purposes.
What is alkaline water?
Alkaline water has a pH level above 7.0, making it less acidic than regular purified water. It is said to have health benefits because it can neutralize the acid in the body, which is believed to cause health problems. Alkaline water is created through a process called ionization, which adds minerals to the water to increase its pH level. The most common minerals added to alkaline water are calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Although alkaline water is not considered a cure for any disease, studies have shown that it can provide benefits such as reducing acid reflux, improving bone health, and reducing oxidative stress.
The Difference between Purified Alkaline Water and Regular Purified Water
The main difference between purified alkaline water and regular purified water is the pH level. As mentioned earlier, purified water has a pH level of 7.0, which is neutral, while alkaline water has a pH level above 7.0, making it less acidic than regular purified water.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, and anything above 7 is considered alkaline. The pH level of purified alkaline water can range from 7.5 to 9.5, depending on the minerals added to the water during the ionization process.
Benefits of Purified Alkaline Water
There are several benefits of drinking purified alkaline water, including:
- Improved Hydration: Purified alkaline water has smaller water clusters than regular purified water, making it easier for the body to absorb and hydrate. This can result in improved hydration, which can help improve overall health and well-being.
- Neutralizes Acid: Alkaline water can neutralize the acid in the body, which can help reduce acid reflux and other health problems associated with acid.
- Improved Bone Health: Studies have shown that drinking alkaline water can improve bone health by increasing bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduces Oxidative Stress: Alkaline water contains antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to inflammation and other health problems.
- May Improve Athletic Performance: Some studies have suggested that drinking alkaline water can improve athletic performance by reducing fatigue and improving hydration.
Benefits of Regular Purified Water
Regular purified water also has several benefits, including:
- Safe for Daily Consumption: Regular purified water is considered safe for daily consumption, and it is suitable for cooking, cleaning, and other purposes.
- Removes Impurities: The purification process of regular purified water removes impurities such as bacteria, viruses, and minerals, making it safe and clean to drink.
- No Additives: Regular purified water does not contain any additives, making it a pure and natural source of hydration.
- More Accessible: Regular purified water is more widely available and affordable than purified alkaline water, making it more accessible to the general public.
- Can Be Customized: Regular purified water can be customized to meet individual preferences by adding flavorings or carbonation.
Why People Prefer Alkaline Water
People may prefer alkaline water over regular purified water for several reasons, including:
- Health Benefits: Alkaline water is believed to provide health benefits, including neutralizing acid in the body, improving bone health, and reducing oxidative stress.
- Improved Hydration: The smaller water clusters in alkaline water make it easier for the body to absorb and hydrate, resulting in improved hydration.
- Taste: Some people prefer the taste of alkaline water over regular purified water, which can be due to the added minerals.
- Personal Preference: Some people simply prefer alkaline water over regular purified water, and it may be a personal preference based on taste or perceived health benefits.
Why People Prefer Regular Purified Water
People may prefer regular purified water over alkaline water for several reasons, including:
- Safety: Regular purified water is considered safe for daily consumption and undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove impurities.
- Accessibility: Regular purified water is more widely available and affordable than alkaline water, making it more accessible to the general public.
- No Additives: Regular purified water does not contain any additives, making it a pure and natural source of hydration.
- Neutral Taste: Some people prefer the neutral taste of regular purified water over the mineral taste of alkaline water.
Both purified alkaline water and regular purified water have their benefits and drawbacks. Purified water is considered safe for daily consumption and undergoes a rigorous purification process to remove impurities, while alkaline water has a higher pH level and is believed to provide health benefits such as improved hydration, neutralizing acid in the body, and reducing oxidative stress. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of water comes down to personal preference and perceived health benefits. It is essential to stay hydrated and consume clean, safe water, regardless of the type of water you choose.
