The Health Benefits and Risks of Different Types of Water

3rd Sep 2024

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Your life depends on water, but did you ever consider which type of water? Yes, there are several types of water, but not all of them are suitable for drinking. Even the ones that are fit to consume offer different health benefits, which you should be aware of. This article will take you through the different types of drinking water and their advantages. Let's begin.

What are the different types of water?

Mineral Water: The bottled water you buy at the store, enriched with natural minerals, making it a popular choice for hydration and health benefits.

Sparkling Water: Fizzy water with bubbles, either naturally carbonated from springs or infused with carbon dioxide for a refreshing feel.

Spring Water: Bottled water collected from natural springs, often considered purer than tap water but still needs testing for consistency.

RO Water (Reverse Osmosis): Water purified by forcing it through a membrane to remove impurities; common in home water purifiers.

Alkaline Water: Bottled water with a higher pH level, often marketed as healthier due to its mineral content and ability to neutralize acidity.

Tap Water: Water that comes directly from your faucet; treated by local authorities but may still contain some minerals and impurities.

Distilled Water: Ultra-pure water that’s been boiled and condensed, removing all minerals; often used in appliances rather than for drinking.

Hard Water: Water high in minerals like calcium and magnesium; safe to drink but can leave residue on dishes and appliances.

Salt Water: Ocean water or seawater; not drinkable without processing due to its high salt content.

Black Water: Trendy bottled water infused with fulvic acid, giving it a dark color and marketed for its supposed detox benefits.

Now, let us understand the benefits of the 4 most commonly consumed water types in India.

Also Read - What is TDS in Drinking water?

Mineral Water

Mineral water can refer to any type of water that contains essential minerals. While it can be naturally occurring as well, a more popular form of mineral water is bottled mineral water, which is usually packaged after purification at a facility to ensure the best quality and purity. Bottled mineral water is an affordable option for regular consumption, particularly if you cannot afford expensive water purifiers for your home.

Bisleri, for example, offers bottled drinking water that goes through 90 quality checks and a 10-step purification process to ensure the finest quality above all else.

Spring Water

Natural springs are often the source of pure drinking water that contains minerals like calcium, magnesium & potassium. These nutrients even have health-promoting properties, such as assisting in bone formation, heart function, and muscle relaxation.

Bisleri, for instance, offers Vedica, a natural spring water sourced from the Himalayas and bottled at the source for maximum freshness and purity. Its rich mineral content makes it a great choice for your daily consumption needs.

RO Water

RO water is treated and purified before screening out impurities like heavy metals, certain chemicals, and even pathogens through Reverse Osmosis. RO water is also useful for places where the water source contains high levels of pollutants. Drinking RO water helps prevent waterborne diseases due to harmful substances. You can install an RO purifier at home to ensure long-term availability of clean and pure drinking water.

However, the disadvantage of RO water is that the filtration process may remove some of the beneficial minerals. This can result in insufficient amounts of key nutrients such as calcium and magnesium in your drinking water.

Must Read - Side effects of drinking cold water

Distilled Water

Distilled water is purified by boiling it into steam and then condensing it back into a liquid, removing impurities and minerals. It's one of the purest forms of water available, often used in medical settings and laboratories. You can drink it, although the taste may feel bland and unappealing due to the absence of minerals.

While distilled water is free from contaminants, it's also devoid of essential minerals. Long-term consumption of distilled water might lead to mineral deficiencies since it doesn't replenish the body's mineral needs. It's generally safe to drink distilled water occasionally, but it's wise to ensure your diet provides adequate minerals as well.

Conclusion- Choose as Per Your Circumstances and Requirements

Understanding the health benefits and risks of different types of drinking water is crucial for making informed choices. Choose the type of water that best fits your health needs and lifestyle, and stay suitably hydrated for optimal health. If you cannot access clean water from other sources and want something pure and reliable at home or on the move, choose bottled mineral water without a second thought.

FAQs

What are the different types of water?

Common types of water include distilled, mineral, RO, and spring water.

Is Bisleri water distilled?

No, Bisleri water is not distilled. It undergoes a 10-step purification process and includes essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Distilled water lacks these minerals, which are beneficial for health.

Which type of water is best for drinking?

Mineral water, such as Bisleri, is an excellent choice due to its mineral content and rigorous purification standards. It provides essential nutrients often missing in distilled or purified water