Water was always supposed to be plain, right? Well, not in the current times. There’s a recent thing called alkaline water that’s supposed to be good for the body. What’s so great about this particular water type is that people are ready to pay the extra bucks, you might wonder. Well, this hyped-up unique water has many health benefits associated with it.
What is alkaline water?
The alkaline property of any product measures the pH level of that product. The acidic and alkaline property is measured on the pH level on a scale of 0 to 14. If the pH level is anything from 6 and above is considered alkaline. On the other hand, if the pH level of anything is on the lower side is considered acidic.
This water has a high pH level. Along with the pH level, it also contains alkaline minerals and negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).
The negative ORP means that the water acts as an anti-oxidant or pro. The more negative the ORP value, the more anti-oxidizing it is.
Generally, the regular water we drink comes with a pH of 7, while alkaline water is pH 8 or 9, which means it can help maintain the acid formation in the body.
Benefits of alkaline water
For the past few years, research has been done to understand whether alkaline water is beneficial or it is just good marketing by brands. Therefore, it’s somewhat of a controversial topic. Though there are few pieces of research done that claim the health benefits, nothing is entirely conclusive.
Nonetheless, the consumers of this water swear by the following benefits of the unique water
- Cancer Prevention
- Cleanses colon
- Anti-aging components
- Supports good immunity
- Great for skin
- Detoxifies the body
- Provides hydration to the body
- Promotes weight loss
Other than this, the research in 2012 in vitro study claims that consuming naturally carbonated artesian well with a pH of 8.8 helped eliminate pepsin. This enzyme is the reason for acid reflux in the body.
A 2018 study in Japan found that electrolyzed water promoted good stool in 60 participants.
One more study done on 100 people drinking alkaline water had a relevant decrease in whole blood viscosity. This means their blood flow improved as they consumed this water type after a workout session.
How the water converts into alkaline water
It is found naturally in nature when the water passes over rocks. This water takes up the natural minerals and becomes alkaline.
But artificially, water can be turned alkaline through a process called electrolysis. The ionizers used in this process separate the molecules in the water that are more acidic and are strained out.
Though the process is considered safe and there are no side effects associated with alkaline water, the purity of the regular water before making it is essential. The water has to be non-contaminated and pure before electrolysis.
