We need water to survive, and what we drink is important for our health. When we hear about drinking distilled water, we often have a few questions in our minds. For example, is it safe to drink distilled water? Does it have any benefits for our health? For Canadians, understanding what distilled water is and its health benefits is important for making the right health choices.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is the water that has been distilled. Water is boiled and turned into steam. The steam is then cooled and turned into liquid water. As a result, the impurities and contaminants in the water, including the minerals, are left behind. The end product is pure and clean water that is free from the following:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Heavy metals
- Salts and minerals
- Chemical contaminants
How Does Distilled Water Differ From Other Types of Water?
Distilled water is different from other types of water, including tap water, spring water, and filtered water. The main difference is that:
- Tap Water: Tap water has both good and bad things. For example, it has some minerals and some contaminants depending on the source of the water.
- Spring Water: Spring water has some health benefits and is natural. However, spring water is not totally free from impurities.
- Filtered Water: Filtered water has some health benefits and is free from contaminants. However, the good thing about filtered water is that some of the good minerals are left in the water.
- Distilled Water: Distilled water is totally free from contaminants and has no minerals. Therefore, distilled water is the cleanest water of all.
Is It Safe to Drink Distilled Water?
Yes, distilled water is safe for drinking. The benefits of drinking distilled water include the following:
- Free of Contaminants: The fact that the water has been distilled means that the contaminants in the water, such as lead, mercury, and chlorine, have been removed. Therefore, the water is safe for drinking, especially for those whose immune systems are sensitive.
- Useful in Detoxification: The purity can be useful in detoxification diets, helping to cleanse the body with minimal additional impurities.
Potential Drawbacks of Distilled Water
However, there are some drawbacks to using distilled water:
- Lacks Essential Minerals: The water lacks calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which could have a negative impact on the body if used exclusively.
- Tastes Bland: The water tastes flat due to the absence of these minerals.
- Causes an Imbalance in the Body’s Electrolyte Content : If you use distilled water exclusively in large quantities, it can cause an electrolyte imbalance in your body.
Canadian Water Quality Standards
Canadian water quality standards are very high, and the water you get from the taps in your home is safe to drink. However, the quality of the water can vary depending on the region you are in. If you are not sure about the quality of the water, then you can use distilled water.
Situations Where Distilled Water May Be Beneficial
Distilled water can be used in the following situations:
- Medical: If you have to take some medication that requires pure water, then you can use distilled water.
- Travel: If you are traveling to a place where the water quality is questionable, then you can use distilled water.
- Home Appliances: If you have a humidifier and a steam iron, then you can use distilled water to prevent the build-up of minerals in these appliances.
Is Distilled Water Sustainable?
Distilled water can have a negative impact on the environment due to the energy used in the distillation process. If you are an environmentally friendly Canadian, then you might want to think twice.
Energy Use
However, it takes more energy to boil water than it does to purify it using some other methods.
Plastic Waste
Buying bottled water that is already distilled contributes to waste. Having a water distiller at home will help minimize waste.
Filtered Water vs. Distilled Water
Filtered water is a good substitute for distilled water, providing clean, safe, and healthy drinking water without losing any of the essential minerals.
Reverse Osmosis Water
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems is widely used in Canada. This method of water filtration is effective because it can remove 99% of impurities, including metals and bacteria, while giving users the option of adding minerals to the water.
Final Verdict: Should You Drink Distilled Water?
Distilled water is safe to be ingested because it is the purest form of water. However, it is lacking in some essential minerals, which are important to our health. Therefore, it is recommended that if you are a Canadian, you should consider drinking distilled water, but only if you are willing to provide your body with the necessary nutrients that are lacking in distilled water by taking a balanced diet.
Can Babies Drink Distilled Water?
Yes, you can use distilled water for making baby formula because it does not have any impurities that can harm your baby. However, you should not use distilled water for drinking purposes because your baby will need minerals for development.
Is Boiled Water the Same as Distilled Water?
No, they are different. Although both are used for purification purposes, they have different effects on water. Boiled water kills impurities, but it does not separate minerals or other impurities that are dissolved in water. On the other hand, distilled water separates all impurities, making it purer than boiled water.
Where Can I Buy Distilled Water in Canada?
Distilled water is easily available in local stores and online platforms. However, you can also buy a water distiller for your home.
Final Thoughts
Distilled water is highly purified and has no impurities, making it safe for use and consumption. However, this water lacks minerals, which are essential for drinking purposes and cannot be used for regular consumption.
In contrast,
reverse osmosis (RO) water is safe for regular consumption and has many benefits for our health. This water has fewer impurities and more minerals, making it safe for regular drinking purposes. Therefore, if you are looking for water for regular use and consumption, you should consider reverse osmosis water over other types of water, such as distilled water.