Mineral Water vs Distilled Water
Water is essential to human life, just as air is. With increasing pollution levels, it is vital for us to consume pure water that does not harm us in any way. There are several methods to purify water, with the simplest being boiling it at home. However, boiling is not always convenient, so we often use distilled water. Distilled water has been specially treated to remove impurities but cannot be produced at home. Another type of water known as mineral water has become popular, often causing confusion about the differences between distilled and mineral water. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between these two types of pure water.
Mineral Water
Mineral water, as the name suggests, is water obtained from underground sources containing minerals that are beneficial to humans. The minerals dissolved in water give it medicinal properties. Springs, whether hot water springs or other natural types, are considered sources of mineral water. The substances dissolved in mineral water are salts of elements that are known to have positive effects on our bodies. Some mineral waters are effervescent and are called sparkling mineral water. Those without effervescence are also called mineral water. To be classified as mineral water, there must be at least 250ppm of dissolved solids in the water.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is water that has undergone a purification process known as distillation. This process involves heating the water to boiling point and then boiling it for a set time, followed by cooling the steam produced in a glass container (condensation). Distillation removes water impurities but also eliminates all minerals and electrolytes that may be beneficial to us. However, distilled water is the purest form of water. Despite its purity, distilled water is slightly acidic, making it susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Key Takeaways
- Mineral water contains dissolved minerals and is found naturally in the form of springs, while distilled water has been purified through distillation.
- Mineral water contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and sodium, which are considered beneficial to humans.
- Distilled water is the purest form of water but is not considered healthy for drinking as it removes minerals, trace metals, and some oxygen.
