Are you feeling thirsty? For the most effective replenishment of liquid in the world, humanity has still failed to top what mother nature has always provided for us – water! There are plenty of products marketed as being all about replenishment after strenuous physical activity – most notably isotonic sports drinks – and we often think of these as being some specially formulated scientifically advanced way of quenching thirst. The truth, however, is that while such drinks might provide other important nutrients such as electrolytes when it comes to quenching that thirst, it is nothing more complicated than simple water that does so.
But then, are things actually that simple? We are used to hearing water fancifully referred to as H2O – the chemical composition of the water molecule (two hydrogens and one oxygen atom) – but it’s far from the truth to imagine that every time you turn on the tap and fill a glass with water that you’re filling it up with a pure stream of H2O molecules. Far from it – what we know as water typically contains many other trace minerals that are included in the liquid. These can exist in vastly differing proportions, depending on where you are drawing your water from.
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Different Waters
The truth is, of course, that even where safe drinking water is pumped into every home, supermarkets will always have shelves full of bottled water. While some may see this as the biggest con of the modern era, it is nevertheless true that different waters with different chemical compositions can taste differently, can provide different types of nutrition, and can even boast health benefits beyond what we expect to get from water.
To be clear though, we are not really talking about different forms of water here. Water is water and is always no more and no less than the H2O molecule. Nevertheless, what we know as water contains many other substances.
So, besides the ubiquitous tap water, here follows five different types of water you can safely drink:
Mineral Water
All water contains minerals, so what on earth is “mineral water”? The term is usually used in distinction to tap water and denotes that it has been drawn from a mineral spring. Such water will often have increased amounts of magnesium and calcium.
Sparkling Water
H2O meets CO2. We all know what sparkling water is as well its uniquely refreshing taste. Sparkling water is simply any water infused with pressurized carbon dioxide gas.
Hydrogen-Enriched Water
As we know, the water molecule contains hydrogen. However, that hydrogen is locked into the molecule itself. Hydrogen water, on the other hand, has a load of free hydrogen atoms fused throughout. This gives it many unique health benefits and explains the recent runaway success of hydrogen water providers such as Synergy Science.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is water that has undergone a basic sterilization process. An original source is boiled, the steam collected and then condensed back into the water. This water has the least additional substances of any kind and so is frequently used where water supplies are contaminated with harmful substances.
Alkaline Water
The minerals in water give it a specific pH or a certain level of acidity or alkalinity. Alkaline water is naturally on the alkaline side. This type of water has been touted as offering a range of benefits, few of which have actually been demonstrated. However, it could be a good way to hydrate if you suffer from excess gastric acid.
As it turns out, the most plentiful substance on our planet comes in a strikingly wide range of varieties.