Forget fancy drinks, we’re taking it back to basics with water. The hype has grown so much that in some fine dining places, there are sommeliers that curate the most exquisite H2O for their patrons. Here’s the low-down on the different types of water available.
Forget fancy drinks, we’re taking it back to basics with water. The hype has grown so much that in some fine dining places, there are sommeliers that curate the most exquisite H2O for their patrons. Here’s the low-down on the different types of water available.
I’d tap that
Tap water that is safe for consumption is put through a basic filtration process to remove bacteria. Filtered bottled water usually originates from tap water and later goes through a process to meet higher hygiene standards, which can include the use of chemical treatments.
Au naturel
Natural mineral water goes through little to no treatment, and is collected and bottled close to its underground sources that are protected from pollution risks. Those who want “untouched” water usually opt for this type of bottled water.
Basic, much?
Alkaline water is water that has had its pH level increased, meaning it’s literally more basic than normal tap water. Fans of this water believe it helps to neutralise the acid in your bloodstream, which leads to increased oxygen levels and higher energy and metabolism. These benefits have not been scientifically-proven, though.
Be still
Distilled water goes through a process that strips most of the dissolved materials like minerals and salt. While it’s water in its purest form, it can cause mineral deficiencies and the lack of fluoride has been thought to cause cavities in the long-term. Some claim that drinking distilled water is good for detoxing the body of all its impurities, but not enough research has been done to prove this.
Drink your vitamins
We’ve always been told to eat our vitamins, but does drinking them in the form of supposed “health” drinks like Vitaminwater work the same way? What the ads won’t tell you is that Vitaminwater has roughly the same amount of fructose as a bottle of Coke. In fact, calling it “Vitaminwater” was essentially a marketing ploy to make it seem like a healthy drink when the fact is, it’s no healthier than a soft drink.
HYDRATION STATION
How much water should you be drinking?
Listen to your body: most healthy people meet their daily hydration needs by drinking when they are thirsty.
Look at your pee: if it’s dark yellow, then urine trouble (sorry not sorry for that terrible pun) because it indicates dehydration, so drink up until it’s either colourless or pale yellow.
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