Alkaline water has been a topic up for debate during the past few years. There are people who absolutely love alkaline water and the benefits that come from it while critics suggest otherwise and remain skeptical of the touted health benefits. alkaline
What we do know is that alkaline water differs in a few ways from normal drinking or tap water. The word “alkaline” in alkaline water refers to the waters’ pH level. We use the pH scale to measure, observe, and decide the acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity of a liquid. This is pH important because it can give people a better idea of the properties a liquid may possess.
Generally speaking, tap water or bottled water maintains a neutral pH of 7 while alkaline water typically has a pH of around 9. Alkaline water also needs to contain natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Along with alkaline water containing natural minerals, the alkaline water needs to possess negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP). ORP refers to the anti oxidizing potential a substance has. The water in essence acts as an antioxidant.
What Does Alkaline Water Do to the Body
More than half of our bodies are composed of water and are vital to healthy organ function. Maintaining adequate levels of hydration is essential to overall health especially to the health of the largest organ in the body – your skin. Alkaline water consists of antioxidants and expectionaly high levels of molecular hydrogen (H2) that diffuse quickly across cell membranes.
As a result, this reduces free radicals in the body and suppresses oxidative stress which aids in improving cellular health. The antioxidants in the alkaline water fulfill this process by lending an electron to a free radical in order to stabilize the free radical.
Antioxidants paired with high concentrations of molecular hydrogen can terminate or mitigate the chemical reactions from oxidation within the body which improve overall energy levels.
Within the body, alkaline water can serve as a buffer to acid and other acidic liquids. This can help those with stomach issues such as bloating, acid reflux, and indigestion.
What Is Alkaline Water Good for
In essence, alkaline water can provide various health benefits that can be experienced by anyone willing to make the decision to switch over to a better quality drinking water.
Most of the health claims and benefits that have been shared around the internet have been anecdotal reports. Many of these health improvements from alkaline water have been studied over the past 50 years and more scientists are now interested in the healing properties of alkaline water.
What is alkaline water good for? Well, let’s get into the health benefits, improvements, and advantages alkaline water has to offer.
Anti Aging properties
Colon-cleansing properties
Immune system support
Detoxifying properties
Cancer resistance
Acid reflux prevention
Lower high blood pressure
Improved blood flow
Improved skin health and quality
What Does Alkaline Water Taste Like
Lastly, arguably one of the most important things to consider is the taste of alkaline. The difference in taste between alkaline water and bottled or tap water is subtle but enough to be distinguishable.
Like natural artesian spring water: It is refreshing and smooth, with a slightly sweeter and more satisfying taste than tap water. The sensation of drinking alkaline water is different more so than the taste.
