Should You Drink Distilled Water?
Over the years, distilled water has been subjected to a lot of controversies. Before learning about its many advantages and disadvantages, it is important that you know what it is. Water, in its different forms, have been deemed as synonymous to life. Distilled water is a type of water, which is created using a special process called distillation. To explain in simple words, it is a method where pure H20 is collected by removing the impurities such as metals and minerals out. The contaminants have a relatively high melting points and much higher boiling points.
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As regular water is boiled, the pure form of it turns into steam, which is then captured and cooled to create distilled water. The remnants of the process are the impurities. Even though this is the regular method, a problem arises when certain organic compounds present in water have boiling points that are lower than the boiling point of pure water. An example of this includes volatile chemical compounds, pesticides, and herbicides. In this case, the impurities boil before the water. This is why different distillation techniques must be used.
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The Different Types of Water
It is understandable that water may vary depending on the source, content, and purpose. It can be broadly categorized into 4 types: drinking water, distilled water, purified water and spring water.
Drinking Water
It is self-explanatory that any water that is collected with the intention of drinking is referred to as drinking water. It is usually collected from a municipal source and considered safe for daily consumption. This type does not have any additional ingredients. It contains the usual elements like fluoride that most tap water contains.
Distilled Water
As previously explained, distilled water is a form of purified water. Collection of this entails a tedious process of filtration which removes not only contaminants but also natural minerals. It is commonly used for small appliances like steam irons and hot water urns as it helps avoid mineral buildup which is often a concern with tap water. Even though many people assume otherwise, this other is not the best alternative for human consumption. It does not provide benefits of any of water’s natural and beneficial mineral contents.
Purified Water
Water from any source that has been purified to eliminate contaminants and chemicals is called purified water. Reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, deionization, and distillation are commonly used purification methods. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with this kind as well. One of the biggest advantages is that harmful chemicals are removed in the process. However, like distilled water, minerals are usually removed as well.
Spring Water
Spring water is the water inside most bottled waters. It is collected from underground sources. Some companies choose to treat and purify before selling while othersbelieve in selling the water in its true form. Even though it sounds like a great option, it is not the ideal choice for drinking water. Researchers have found phthalates, arsenic, and coliform in some brands. In addition, even though many of these companies claim that they collect water from natural sources, the sources are often questionable.
Therefore, when you have to choose between these options and decide which one is best for your family’s consumption, drinking water seems like the best choice. The decision may vary based on where you reside. There are methods you can employ to test the quality of tap water in your house.
10 Benefits of Drinking Distilled Water
That being said, there are still quite a few reasons why people choose to drink distilled water. Some of the benefits of choosing distilled water are:
- Helps avoid diseases caused by unclean water
- Distillation is a natural purifying method
- Water is collected in its purest form
- Contaminants are removed safely
- Help to prevent waterborne diseases
- Absorbs and eliminates harmful substances from body
- You get most of the required minerals from food
- Compared to the benefits, it is not very expensive
- Better option compared to spring water
- Many uses of it including drinking
1. Helps Avoid Diseases Caused by Unclean Water
Nitrate pollution in tap water is considered as a huge contributor to baby birth defects such as missing limbs or cleft palate. Municipal water also often contains Barium, which contributes to heart problems. It has also been connected to high blood pressure. Another content on drinking water – Copper – may trigger Alzheimer’s Disease. Even many countries require water to pass the Environmental Protection Agency’s standard, there are regions where safe drinking water is scarce. When you cannot consume tap water, distilled water is a good solution as it does not lead to any diseases.
2. Distillation is a Natural Purifying Method
The hydrological or water cycle is responsible for how water is distributed and reused around the Earth. Distillation is a method of purification which is very similar to the water cycle. This process boils the water first and converts it to steam while leaving unwanted minerals and chemicals behind. The steam is them converted back to its liquid form using condensation.
3. Water is Collected in its Purest Form
Distilled water is used in industries and laboratories. It also has perfumery, medicinal and food processing uses. If you are someone who worries about having any kind of impurities in your drinking water, distilled water will present you contaminant-free water.
4. Contaminants are Eliminated Safely
Fluoride, a chemical commonly used in swimming pools, is used to process tap water. Municipalities usually employ this method to treat water before they are sent to homes. So, the tap water can harm your body when consumed. Distilled water, on the other hand, contains no such chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, or radioactive contaminants.
5. Helps Prevent Water Borne Diseases
Unclean water can carry bacteria and parasites which can start life cycle in your body upon consumption. The best way to avoid this scenario is to drink distilled water. Drinking unclean water can also cause other immunity disorders. By drinking distilled water, you can prevent water-borne diseases.
6. Absorbs and Eliminates Harmful Substances from Body
Distilled water can remove harmful toxins from your body. This is why it is the best choice during a cleanse. You can detoxify the system and replenish minerals that you need.
7. You Get Most of the Required Minerals from Food
It is true that the regular quota of minerals that your body needs, comes from the food you eat. Even though distilled water does not give additional minerals that regular drinking water provides, they can be substituted by other sources. This way, you can avoid the harmful impact of impurities in other forms of water but also enjoy a balanced diet and a good health.
8. Compared to the Benefits, it is Not Very Expensive
If you want to buy a commercially packaged gallon of distilled water, it may cost you between $0.89 to $1.29. A cheaper alternative is to invest in a distilled water machine and get each gallon at expense of just $0.30 to $0.60. The cost might vary slightly depending on electric rates in your region but it is still quite cheap.
9. Better Option Compared to Spring Water
Many people are convinced by the beautiful picture of spring water bottles. This is misleading as spring water can have arsenic, phthalates, coliform, etc. that are harmful to your health. In fact, it may contain the same impurities as tap water or well water. It is also claimed that some of the bottled water sell tap water and charge high prices. Commercially sold distilled water must undergo the rigorous process of distillation before it can be marketed. There is a guarantee that every bottle you purchase is distilled.
10. Many Uses of it, Including Drinking
As already stated, distilled water is not only used for drinking but also in laboratories. There are some experiments which cannot be conducted without fully purified water. Other uses can include cooking as it helps capture nutrients. Companies use it to make perfumes, medicines, etc. It is also be used in aquariums and automotive cooling systems.
7 Dangers or Cons of Drinking Distilled Water
There are quite a few reasons why some people choose to drink distilled water. However, if you have access to clean tap water, it is advised to avoid drinking distilled water. Some of the reasons have been stated here:
- Water distillation cannot remove impurities with lower boiling point
- Distilled water is tasteless
- Constant consumption can be dangerous
- Distilled water is not energy-efficient
- Increases body acidity
- It may dissolve containers
- You may suffer from mineral deficiencies
1. Water Distillation Cannot Remove Impurities With Lower Boiling Point
If you choose to install a water distillation system at home, you can get rid of contaminants which have a relatively higher boiling point than water. However, the process cannot help remove those impurities which have a lower boiling point. This makes you vulnerable to a wide range of diseases. Many harmful minerals, chemicals like chlorine, and volatile organic chemicals like insecticides and herbicides are included in the list. Because of their lower boiling point, even commercially sold distilled water has traces of these contaminants.
2. Distilled Water is Tasteless
One of the strongest arguments against drinking distilled water is that it tastes flat. The difference of taste is distinct when compared with spring or tap water with contains both organic and inorganic minerals. People usually adapt to the taste when they drink distilled water regularly.
3. Constant Consumption Can Be Dangerous
If you use distilled water while fasting, it can cause rapid loss of potassium, chloride, sodium and magnesium. These are important for the regular functioning of the body during the time when the induvial does not consume solid food.
4. Distilled Water is Not Energy-efficient
Distillation usually takes a long time and results in carbon emission. A lot of energy and resources are utilized and it releases waste. If you want a greener home and like energy-efficient options, distillation is not a choice you will like.
5. Increases Body Acidity
All the same, reasons that make distilled water pure, makes it active absorber. When it contacts air, it creates carbonic acid solution upon absorbing carbon dioxide. Acidic water triggers your stomach to release more acid. If you have a healthy lifestyle and strong digestive system the weak carbonic acid solution will not cause severe impact in body processes.
6. It May Dissolve Containers
If you have tried commercially purchased distilled water, you may have noticed that it tastes different sometimes. When the water’s acidity is exposed to carbon dioxide makes the water’s dissolution property stronger. This is why some distilled water in low-grade plastic bottled taste bad.
7. You May Suffer from Mineral Deficiencies
Excessive consumption of it can result in a mineral deficiency. This concept is supported by the demineralization process of water which makes it pure. It carries both organic and inorganic minerals out of your body. However, if you can maintain a balanced diet and a healthy kidney, this problem may be avoided. As previously explained, only someone who is malnourished would depend on minerals found in spring or tap water.
Popular Ways to Make Distilled Water
Use Glass Bottles to Distill Tap Water
For making distilled water in this method, you will need 2 glass bottles. Bets results can be achieved if one of the bottles curve from the neck, as it prevents distilled water from sliding back into the first bottle. Fill 1 of the bottles with tap water but keep 5 inches’ gap from the top. Join the bottles at the neck using duct tape. Use a stainless-steel pot to boil and distil. The aim is to fill it with enough water to cover the bottle containing tap water. Slightly tilt the bottle at a 30-degree angle and empty it on the pot. Place a bag of ice on the top bottle and create a hot-cold barrier. This causes the steam to condense into the cooler bottle.
Distill Rain Water
Use a large, clean pot to collect rain water. Let it sit outside for 48 hours so that minerals dissipate. Next, store the water in clean containers. This process is one of the simplest and commonly used to convert rainwater into distilled water.
Should You Drink Distilled Water or Not
To answer this question, you have to first find out whether the tap water or spring water available to you are safe drinking choices or not. If not, you must definitely drink distilled water. It is true that distillation is an expensive process but it effectively removes unwanted chemicals and minerals from water. It helps prevent many water-borne diseases and helps stay healthy. You must consider how much your health is worth to you and decide.
Recommended Water Distillation Equipment – Countertop Water Distiller System
Distillation is not a brief process. It takes a long time. However, as its many benefits are appealing, you can choose to buy a good water distillation equipment. Using these will help get pure water at a comparatively low price. There are many different distillation water machines available in the market. This includes the countertop distillers. Even though there is some non-electric water distiller, the countertop water distiller machines are popular among those who want to make distilled water at home.
Price when Reviewed: $489.00 – Click Here to Buy
The Steam Pure Stainless Steel Counter Top Water Distiller is perhaps the best water distiller available in the market. It has a solid and durable build. It includes a glass jar which helps avoid the problem of melting plastic. It is similar to Mini-Classic II and Water Wise 8800. It is a water distiller with a programmable unit. Manufactured in the USA, this machine has gained popularity all over the world.
In addition to its distillation feature, it has carbon filtration option which helps polish water again. The machine helps get clean water without any unpleasant odor. If you are seeking a water distiller that has stainless-steel finish and is programmable and easy to use, this is the perfect choice for you. On top of that, it is a very affordable option.
