It’s a known fact that people should drink more water. It offers a lot of health benefits like better brain function and higher energy levels. Only a few know this, but not all water is created equal. With some providing more nutrients than others, here’s a list of different kinds of water and the health benefits that comes along with drinking them:
Tap Water
Everyone has access to tap water. It’s clean enough to wash glassware and clean your body, but not enough for human consumption.
The good: Drinking tap water costs you almost nothing, but it raises some safety concerns amongst citizens. In the USA, it is safe to drink tap water.
The bad: While the government orders to keep the water supply away from harmful substances like lead at all costs, research shows that supplies from countries across the world have plastic particles.
Mineral Water
It’s called mineral water because of all the substances that it has. It’s full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur — substances that are very good for the human body.
The good: Mineral water provides minerals that the body could never create on its own. It helps in digestion, and many people like the taste of it compared to tap water.
The bad: Cost is the only downside of drinking mineral water when compared to tap water.
Spring or Glacier Water
Glacier or Spring waters are bottled waters gathered from where water first flows — in the glaciers or springs.
The good: Drinking water that comes from springs or glaciers should be free of toxins and clean in theory. They also contain the same substances that mineral waters have.
The bad: Spring water is pricey, and the fact that it’s raw and unfiltered can cause a few health risks depending on what it may randomly contain.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, sometimes called carbonated or soda water, contains carbon dioxide gas.
The good: Sparkling water has a fizzy feel to the mouth compared to any other water available in the market. There are also flavored sparkling waters with sweeteners for options.
The bad: Sparkling Water doesn’t have enough minerals to be genuinely beneficial for the human body. Its price can be high compared to its flat counterparts.
Distilled Water
Distilled water comes from the steam collected from boiling water and condensed back to become a drinkable liquid.
The good: Distilled water is a better option than tap water, and it costs a little more than the latter, but not enough to be called expensive.
The bad: Distilled water contains no minerals and vitamins whatsoever; it doesn’t have any health benefits. Non-mineralized water tends to pull minerals away from the body as well as your teeth.
Purified Water
Purified water is treated ground or tap water to remove harmful substances like fungi, parasites, and bacteria. It’s one of the safest water you can have.
The good: Purified water is the best option for drinking. It undergoes unique processes like deionization and reverse osmosis.
The bad: Since it is water in its purest form, it is devoid of any minerals. Getting a filtration system can be quite costly.
Flavored or Infused Water
This water contains either artificial sweeteners or sugar as well as synthetic or natural flavors.
The good: Flavored water can be the perfect substitute for juices and other flavored drinks. You can do this at home by merely infusing fruits and vegetables into any water.
The bad: Flavored waters have extra calories as it contains artificial sweeteners or sugar. People with diabetes and people dealing with problems with their blood sugar should stay away from this product.
Alkaline water
Alkaline water has a higher pH level compared to regular tap water, and it contains alkaline minerals with a negative oxidation-reduction potential.
The good: Alkaline water is said to help neutralize the acid in the body, slow aging, and fight off cancer.
The bad: Alkaline water is generally safe, but it reduces stomach acidity which makes it weaker in killing off harmful bacteria. Excessive intake of this liquid may cause metabolic alkalosis that produces symptoms like vomiting and nausea.
Well Water
Well water comes straight from the ground. It’s untreated and might carry many risks.
The good: If you live near a well, or you have it in your backyard, it can be convenient and cost-free. Well water has the benefits of untreated and raw water, but it doesn’t outweigh the risks it can also cause. While this is true, you can install a filtration system and check your water for bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels every year to be safe.
The bad: There’s a risk of contamination with well water, especially from parasitic and bacterial infections like giardia. You can’t be sure with well water.