it is recommended that we hydrate ourselves through water but with different kinds of water which are available, which type of water should we take? This article compares purified water, distilled water, tap water, and mineral water, to provide you with the proper information to make a proper decision.
Tap Water
Tap water is defined as the water that directly flows from the taps throughout your home, including the sinks in the kitchen, bathroom, or even the hose in a washing machine.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
However, one main factor that will determine the safety of tap water is its source. As the consumer, it is crucial to be fully aware of the quality of tap water provided and supplied to your residence. Your water bill likely contains information on the particulates and constituents of the tap water you use, so make sure to examine your latest water bill.
Tap water can be as clean as bottled water sometimes, and in other cases, the opposite is true due to water pollution. For example, Orange County of California is reported to have some of the best tap water in the United States of America, It is much purer than what the FDA recommends. On the other hand, some of the cities that were found to deliver tap water with high levels of lead included Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What is in Tap Water?
In most cases, water found in taps has several minerals and even living beings. This is easily noticeable in the sense that the quality can differ even in the same city, or even within the same building depending on factors such as plumbing and seasonality. Some of the minor elements that may also be present in tap water are chloride, sulfate, copper, iron, manganese as well as zinc. In some countries, there are laws regarding these minerals which control their usage.
Consequently, not all of the substances present in tap water are detrimental to health. Essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and many others may also be present. You can use a water filter tap if you want a safer quality of drinking water.
Purified Water
In case, your tap water is not safe for consumption, then the use of purified water is plausible. You can buy treated water in a bottle or get a water filtration system at your house.
What is Purified Water?
This implies that water has been passed through a mechanical process of filtration or processing to remove chemicals and impurities. This process removes dirt and organic materials such as bacteria, chemicals, and toxins from tap or groundwater.
Depending on its type, water purification technologies, such as carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation, address diverse contaminants. These three processes yield water that has no taste and smell but they wash off important mineral compounds such as sulfur and sodium among others.
Distilled Water
Purified water is one of the most commonly known forms of water that is produced through a filtration process that aims to eliminate impurities. However, this process also removes natural minerals and that’s the reason distilled water is less tastier and might be less healthy as compared to mineral water.
Mineral Water
Mineral water is sourced from natural springs and contains natural minerals that enhance its flavour. It gets its unique taste from minerals such as sulfur and salt, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits over purified and distilled water.
By understanding these differences, you can choose the type of water that best fits your health needs and taste preferences.
Comparing Flavors
The flavour journey of water is intriguing. The purification processes greatly impact the taste, or lack thereof, of each type. Purified water, due to the removal of minerals, tends to lack flavour, offering a clean but bland taste. In contrast, mineral water boasts a captivating taste that varies based on its source, enriched by natural minerals like sulfur and salt.
Mineral Water is the Best for Your Health
As purified and distilled water is capable of satisfying the thirst and hydrating, mineral water hold a unique position in offering the nutritive values which its counterparts do not offer.
- Regulating Body Fat: Some of the minerals like calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and silica are vital as fat metabolizers that help to control body fat.
- Blood Pressure Management: However, carbonated mineral water contains magnesium and calcium that aid in controlling blood pressure through its effect on the electrolytic process and is a better alternative than purified and distilled water.
- Alkalizing Effect: Mineral water aids in the regulation of body pH balance thus assisting in digestion and avoiding difficulties such as constipation and bloating.
- Cardiovascular Health: Consumption of mineral water also prevents obesity, helps in the utilization of fats in the body and has no accumulation of LDL cholesterol, thereby decreasing risks of cardiac diseases.
- Arthritic Pain Relief: Ingredients found in mineral water also have anti-inflammatory properties, thus giving relief in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments caused due to swelling and degenerative bone disease.
- Nutrient Bioavailability: Mineral water is a healthier beverage than milk since it carries the minerals in a more digestible form and will provide the body with nutrients without the unwanted calories.
- Healthy Skin Promotion: Fluoride and silica in the mineral water help improve skin collagen mechanisms hence leading to clear, firm, moisturised and glowing skin.
- Enhanced Physical Alertness: Intake of mineral water leads to an improvement in muscle response so that muscles can contract and expand precisely and physical consciousness is promoted.
- Bone Health Support: Mineral water being a rich source of calcium also helps in the shielding of bones, nails, and teeth which can be more beneficial than milk in terms of bone health.
By understanding these distinctions, you can better appreciate how different types of water can impact both flavour and health, helping you choose the best option for your needs.
