In recent years, the demand for alkaline water has surged, with health-conscious consumers seeking its potential benefits. Alkaline water, often touted for its potential to neutralise acid in the body and improve overall health, has become a popular choice for hydration. However, not all alkaline water is created equal. The key difference lies in whether the water is truly natural or if it has undergone artificial processes to boost its pH level and alkalinity. In this article, we will explore the essential distinction between naturally alkaline water and the artificially processed alternatives and examine the potential health implications of choosing one over the other.
Natural alkaline water is a precious gift from nature. It originates from pristine sources, typically flowing over mineral-rich rock formations such as limestone and quartz. As it meanders through these geological wonders, the water absorbs essential minerals like bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals not only contribute to the water's natural alkalinity but also provide valuable nutrients that our bodies need.
The inclusion of minerals such as bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium in natural alkaline water goes beyond enhancing its taste and texture; it's a boon for your health. Bicarbonate plays a pivotal role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance, ensuring our blood and tissues stay within the optimal pH range. It aids in digestion by neutralising stomach acids and supports kidney function by assisting in the elimination of excess acids.
Calcium, another vital mineral often found in natural alkaline water, is renowned for its significance in fortifying bones and teeth, ensuring their strength and resilience throughout our lives. It also plays a key role in muscle function, including the crucial heartbeat rhythm, and facilitates blood clotting when necessary.
The importance of magnesium cannot be overstated as it is required in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. It contributes to heart health by regulating electrical impulses governing the heartbeat. It also works with calcium in bone formation and aids in nerve function, potentially alleviating stress and anxiety. Sadly, much of our lifestyle decisions can lead to a deficiency so every little bit counts.
One of the distinguishing features of a natural alkaline water such as ãlkalife, is its high silica content. Silica is a crucial element that is often overlooked in our diets. It plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. ãlkalife conveniently delivers the recommended daily intake of silica in just one litre, making it a convenient and natural way to support overall wellbeing. Silica imparts a slight viscous texture that makes water silky smooth on the palate. This unique mouthfeel is a testament to the natural quality of ãlkalife, elevating your hydration experience to another level.
You’ll be pleased to know that ãlkalife is also abundant in all the minerals above which means you not only get a superior hydration experience but you also nourish your body with these fundamental minerals in their natural form.
One of the most intriguing aspects of ãlkalife is its exceptional taste. Taste is not just about quenching your thirst; it's about savouring a refreshing and satisfying experience. ãlkalife’s natural mineral content, with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count of around 300 mg per litre, contributes significantly to its taste profile.
TDS refers to the total concentration of minerals and other dissolved substances in water. Research has shown that waters with a TDS count between 250 to 500 mg per litre often deliver the best taste. ãlkalife falls within this range, at around 300 mg per litre, giving it a soft and smooth taste that water enthusiasts appreciate. No wonder it was granted 3 stars out of 3 for Superior Taste at the International Taste Institute by sommeliers and chefs!
On the other side of the spectrum are alkaline water brands that claim to be "natural" but, in reality, undergo artificial processes to boost their pH levels and alkalinity. These processes typically involve the use of ionisers or alkaline mineral additives. While these methods can raise the water's pH, they come at a significant cost to its purity and overall quality. This method is more prevalent than you may think. If an alkaline water brand touts a pH between 9 to 10, there’s an extremely high chance it is not a naturally occurring water.
Many artificially alkaline water brands use ionisation or electrolysis processes to increase the pH level of water. These methods involve passing an electric current through the water, which splits water molecules into acidic and alkaline components. The alkaline portion is then collected for consumption. However, this process can alter the water's mineral content and do not provide the same health benefits as naturally occurring minerals.
Some manufacturers use alkaline mineral additives such as ionic calcium to raise the pH of water. While these additives can indeed increase alkalinity, they may not possess the same natural balance of minerals found in naturally alkaline sources. The result is an artificially manipulated pH level without the inherent nutritional benefits and harmony of naturally occurring minerals.
Artificially alkaline water often lacks the essential minerals found in naturally alkaline sources. These minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, not only contribute to the water's alkalinity but also offer important health benefits. The absence of these minerals in artificially alkaline water means that consumers miss out on these nutritional advantages.
Another drawback of many artificially alkaline waters is a bitter aftertaste reminiscent of some spring waters. This taste can be attributed to the altered mineral composition and may not provide the same pleasant drinking experience as waters that naturally fall within the optimal Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) range for taste. Artificially alkaline waters often have a lower TDS count, contributing to this undesirable taste profile.
