Purified water is extremely soft.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
Understanding Water Hardness
Water hardness refers to the concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, in the water. Hard water has a high mineral content, while soft water has a low mineral content.
Purified Water and Mineral Content
The process of purifying water is specifically designed to remove impurities and minerals. Common purification methods, such as distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis, effectively eliminate these minerals. Therefore, the resulting purified water has a very low mineral content and is considered very soft.
Implications of Soft Water
While soft water can be beneficial for certain purposes (like preventing scale buildup in pipes), exclusively drinking purified water has potential drawbacks:
- Lack of Essential Minerals: The human body needs minerals like calcium and magnesium. While water is not the primary source of these minerals, it can contribute to the daily intake. Drinking only purified water may lead to lower mineral intake.
- Potential Health Concerns: Some studies suggest a possible correlation between long-term consumption of very soft water and an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed in this area. The referenced information also mentioned the possibility of developing mineral deficiencies and an acidic state if purified water is consumed exclusively over a long period.
Summary
Purified water is intentionally made very soft by removing minerals during the purification process. While this can be advantageous in some situations, it's important to be aware of the potential health implications of exclusively drinking purified water over extended periods. It's advisable to maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate mineral intake.
