While everyone drinks water, whether tap water or not, it may be a surprise to learn that there are several types with different benefits; according to healthline.com, these 9ninedifferent types of water vary in purity, cost, health, purpose, and origin.
Healthline.com’s list of water types, along with pros and cons, includes commonly used water, such as tap and sparkling water. It also has more specialized forms that aren’t always fully recommended for you, according to healthline.com, such as distilled water.
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What is distilled water?
Distilled water is water that has been boiled to steam and then, through cooling, returned to a liquid state and collected, according to WebMD. This boiling and collection process, WebMD says, removes all “minerals, bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants,” resulting in absolutely pure water with no extraneous elements.
While distilled water is safe to drink, it often lacks the minerals that water has as a health benefit. Healthline.com explains that if you treat yourself to a balanced diet, missing out on these minerals won’t harm you, but it won’t necessarily help you either. Since distilled water also doesn’t contain harmful bacteria, healthline.com recommends using distilled water over tap water if “your city’s water is contaminated with harmful chemicals or pesticides.”
How is distilled water different from boiled or filtered water?
Distilled water differs from boiled, filtered, and purified water in that it is the only type converted to steam and then converted back to liquid tto purify it completely. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), boiled water kills bacteria and disease-causing viruses and is made by boiling water for a minute. Filtered water, explains WebMD, is tap water passed through filters to remove hazardous substances. Purified water, a type of distilled water, has removed impurities through a water treatment facility, according to healthline.com.
While you can make and store distilled water at home, it can be purchased at stores such as Raley’s or Walmart by companies such as Arrowhead, Sunnyside Farms, Poland Spring, and Smart Water.
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What are some other types of water?
Mineral water is obtained from a mineral source and has health benefits, but it can be expensive and often unnecessary in conjunction with a healthy diet, says healthline.com.
Healthline.com says well water is accessible and should contain many healthy minerals, but the cost can add up over time, and the water may be “untested,” which can pose a health threat.
According to healthline.com, sparkling water can have a fizzy taste, is expensive, and offers no meaningful health benefits.
Flavored water can be a tasty alternative but generally contains artificial sweeteners or sugar. While the taste is a bonus, there can be negative health effects, says healthline.com.
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How much water should you drink?
Men need 13 cups of water daily, while women need a total of 9 cups, according to WebMD. This total can add up depending on how hot the day is. WebMD says that children and teens need 6 to 8 cups daily. While playing or exercising, you should drink 2 cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
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