Alkaline water has been in the spotlight lately on social media and many news networks, with outlets praising and debating the effects it has on our health. By reducing the acidity in the bloodstream, it helps slow down signs of ageing and prevent many diseases.
What is alkaline water?
Water constitutes on average 70% of our body. It is present in each of our cells and in all tissues. We persistently consume water by breathing, urinating, perspiring and digesting: we must therefore drink accordingly, at least 3 liters of water per day, in order to keep ourselves hydrated and healthy.
There are different types of water: tap, mineral, spring, sparkling or still, with a very specific pH.
The difference between water and alkaline water
Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, hence its chemical formula: H2O.
Its pH determines whether it is acidic or alkaline, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Water generally has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, but tap water tends to be below: around 4 or 5, making it mildly acidic.
The pH of Alkaline Water
Water can be naturally basic, as is the case for naturally occurring mineralized water. But most of the alkaline waters found on the market has undergone a chemical transformation to artificially increase their pH.This is usually done by electrolysis, which is a process in which ions separate acidic and basic molecules in water to remove acidity.
Alkaline water is most often ionized and has a high oxidation-reduction potential. Tap water, for example, has a slight oxidizing potential because its oxygen can react and become harmful to our tissues. This is not the case with alkaline water, the molecule of which is reduced and receives negative electrons which store energy.
Where is Alkaline Water Found?
It is found on the shelves of organic supermarkets and on the internet, sometimes in supermarkets.
You can also make your own alkaline water by adding lemon juice and zest. Although lemon is acidic in nature, it contains minerals that produce alkalizing metabolites when digested.
You can also add baking soda, commonly used to reduce heartburn or treat canker sores, for its basifying properties.
What are the Benefits of Alkaline Water?
Alkaline water could in theory provide many benefits for health and athletic performance. Some are proven, some are not.
Its concrete health benefits
Most researchers say it is still too early to support the health claims of alkaline waters, so it is best to drink mineral or even highly mineralized water if you want to reap any real benefits.
However, some studies have already been able to demonstrate some effectiveness of alkaline water in the treatment of gastric reflux, as well as for some people with blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.
In a 2012 study, researchers found that naturally alkaline water (pH 8.8) could deactivate pepsin, the enzyme that causes gastric reflux.
In another more recent study of more than 100 volunteers, researchers noticed that their blood was less viscous when they consumed alkaline water after a strenuous workout. This means, in concrete terms, that the blood circulates more easily in the blood vessels and throughout the body.
It is important to know the benefits of alkaline water before investing in alkaline water dispensers, but you could always check us out at https://www.coralpurenatural.sg/benefits-of-alkaline-water for more information.
