Over the last few years, most myths about health drinks have been debunked. It has been proved that most of these so-called “health” drinks are marketed under false pretences, and they have virtually no health benefit as such. This has reaffirmed the belief that the only healthy drink is water. Purified and healthy water is the best drink that can regulate several bodily activities.
However, is it possible for this regular water to become even healthier? The question has been pondered over for a very long, and it has been found that it is indeed possible to make plain water healthier than it is. Alkaline water is the healthier version of plain water, which serves the same purpose with far more added benefits.
However, due to the rampant nature of fad diets and trends in recent years surfacing as “healthy” choices, it is customary to question the validity of this understanding. Is alkaline water healthier, or is it another trend with no real health benefit? We are here to answer these questions and prove the efficiency of alkaline water.
Where Does Alkaline Water Come From?
Water with a pH higher than 7 is alkaline. pH levels vary from 0 to 14 and reflect how acidic or alkaline the water is. The pH of ordinary drinking water ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. Anything with a number more than 7 is more alkaline, such as saltwater, while anything less than 7 is more corrosive, such as juices containing vitamin c.
The pH of alkaline water is usually between 8 and 9. Alkaline elements such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium are commonly supplemented with ordinary water to make it alkaline. In some freshwater ponds, alkaline water occurs naturally. This is because the water flows across rock formations and acquires ions along the way; hence some waterways are inherently alkaline.
Alkaline water is also prepared in manufacturing units using electrolysis produced by ionizers.
Is Alkaline Water Helpful?
When people consider the benefits of any part of their diet, they are hard-wired to believe that if the product does not show any immediate benefit, it must be benign. Unfortunately, most of the healthiest choices in our diets do not indicate an immediate effect. It takes time for the body to adjust to new things and then reciprocates the efficiency. However, when people are unwilling to give it the required time, the effects will undoubtedly be disappointing.
This holds for alkaline water too. Numerous clinical trials have established that alkaline water has tangible benefits. However, for those benefits to surface and show effect, the consumption of alkaline water needs to be regular overtime. Only then will the body be well-adjusted to show the benefits reaped from it.
What are the Health Benefits of Alkaline Water?
Before discussing this, it is essential to understand that alkaline water is simply a healthier version of plain water. It is not by any means a magic potion, and it will not immediately show any of the effects that will be discussed. All these health benefits will be observed over a while.
Prevention and control of gastrointestinal issues
The fundamental property of alkaline water (pun intended!) is that it can neutralise excess acid produced within the body. One of the many causes of many health issues is this excess production of acid. The digestive system suffers the most as a result of it. Drinking alkaline water every day can considerably optimise gastrointestinal health.
Maintenance of healthy bones
In clinical trials, it has been seen that alkaline water leads to less bone resorption and thus lessens the rate at which cells deplete to form new ones. This is vital in keeping a healthy bone density.
Improved muscle function
Alkaline water has a higher hydration rate than plain water. This means that the energy that people replenish after drinking water will be seen more effectively if they drink alkaline water. This property can help in improving joint and muscle strength.
Regulation of blood flow
Due to the higher hydrating ability of alkaline water, it can lead to less blood viscosity. This would improve blood flow to and from the heart. Improved blood flow is the primary determinant for maintaining cardiovascular health.
The Final Judgement
While looking at the properties and benefits of alkaline water, it can be said that it is not a myth. It is a very real healthy drink. However, it will not show effects immediately. It needs to be incorporated as a part of one’s daily diet to see visible benefits.