According to its proponents, alkaline water is considered beneficial for the body, primarily due to its higher pH level compared to plain tap water.
Understanding Alkaline Water
Alkaline water is distinguished by its pH level, which is higher than that of regular plain tap water. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, anything below 7 is acidic, and anything above 7 is alkaline (or basic). Most plain tap water typically has a neutral pH of around 7, whereas alkaline water has a higher pH.
Claimed Benefits of Alkaline Water
Proponents of alkaline water highlight several potential health advantages. These claims suggest that its unique properties can positively impact various bodily functions and help prevent certain health conditions.
Neutralizing Blood Acidity
One of the primary assertions made by proponents is that alkaline water can neutralize acid in your bloodstream. This claim is based on the idea that consuming a substance with a higher pH can help balance the body's pH levels, which proponents suggest can lead to overall better health.
Potential Disease Prevention
Beyond neutralizing blood acidity, some individuals and advocates suggest that regular consumption of alkaline water may contribute to the prevention of serious diseases. Specifically, it is claimed that alkaline water can help prevent diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
These claims are often linked to the idea that an acidic environment in the body might contribute to disease development, and thus, an alkaline environment (promoted by alkaline water) could be protective.
Summary of Claimed Benefits
To summarize the potential benefits as put forth by its proponents:
| Aspect | Proponents' Claim |
|---|---|
| pH Level | Higher than plain tap water |
| Blood pH Regulation | Can neutralize acid in your bloodstream |
| Disease Prevention | May help prevent conditions like cancer and heart disease |
It is important to note that these benefits are claims made by proponents and some individuals, based on the principle that its higher pH level can have a beneficial neutralizing effect on the body's acidity.
