The human body uses water in all its cells, tissues, and organs. Not only does it help regulate temperature, but it also carries nutrients, among other things.
That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated.
But did you know that there’s more than one type of water? For example, there’s tap water, mineral water, spring water, and sparkling water.
In addition to that, there’s purified and distilled water, which we’ll be talking about in this post. What are they? What’s the difference between distilled and purified water?
Find out by reading the rest of this post!
What Is Purified Water?
Purified water is water that’s been filtered to remove contaminants and impurities such as chemicals. As it is, there are a few ways to do this. For example, you can use a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis system, or an ion exchange filter.
Depending on where you live, your tap water may already be purified.
Pros
- A good option if your water source is contaminated
- Aside from chemical pollutants, it’s also free of algae and fungi
- The purification process removes unpleasant tastes associated with metal plumbing or chemical treatments
Cons
- Potentially beneficial substances such as fluoride are also removed from the water
- Water purification systems require regular maintenance, otherwise, contaminants can build up and leach into the water
- Depending on the type of purification used, it may not remove certain contaminants such as pesticides
- Purified bottled water and in-home water purification systems can be expensive
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is a type of purified water that’s been boiled into vapor and condensed back into a liquid. As such, it’s entirely free of contaminants such as metals, bacteria, and viruses.
This makes it a good option for immunocompromised individuals.
Pros
- A good option if you live in an area with contaminated tap water
- The distillation process effectively removes chlorine from drinking water
- The most effective way to remove contaminants from water
- Ideal for those with weakened immune systems (e.g. those with HIV/AIDs and certain cancers)
- Home water distillers are relatively affordable (make sure to do your research to find out which it right).
Cons
- Beneficial minerals such as magnesium and calcium are removed along with unwanted impurities
- Distillation removes fluoride from drinking water, which will put you at an increased risk of cavities
- It tends to have a bland or flat taste due to the lack of minerals in the water
- It can potentially pull minerals from your body (e.g. your teeth)
- It can absorb minerals and other substances from the material that’s holding it such as plastic
Understanding the Difference Between Distilled and Purified Water
And there you have it—a short guide that explains the difference between distilled and purified water. As you can see, they both have their pros and cons!
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