To prepare distilled water, water is heated till it boils. This creates steam (or vapor), which is cooled, captured to return to a liquid state, and bottled. Many of the contaminants in the water are flushed out during the distillation process.
Is distilled water healthier than tap water? It’s debatable. Distilled water is usually free from bacteria and contaminants. However, the distillation process also eliminates minerals that can be healthier. Scientific proof suggests that drinking distilled water is right for your body, but not necessarily more beneficial than most other drinking water kinds [1].
What is Distilled Water?
All water has some impurity in it. These impurities can be:
- nutrients
- contaminants
- minerals
- Distilled water has had these impurities eliminated through evaporation and boiling. Few people believe distilled water tastes flat because it lacks:
- minerals
- metals
- other inorganic compounds
In short, distilled water is not drastically different from other purified water. The only thing that differs is the technique the water is purified.
Distillation is an old procedure of water purification. However, it is a relatively complex process and challenging to do at home without a water distillation equipment [2].
Most municipalities in seaside communities use distillation facilities to treat the water from the ocean, which is then used as drinking water.
[Read: Drink Water on an Empty Stomach Benefits]
How to Prepare
Distilled water is devoid of taste, although few individuals find this lack of taste unpalatable if used to the faint flavor of faucet water with minerals. You may drink distilled water just as you drink other water types. You may also use it in recipes only like you use bottled or faucet water and make ice.
Some mothers prefer to use distilled water to make baby formula. This is safe, but not necessary. What is more important is that water used in a formula does not have too much fluoride. Many bottled glasses of water and tap waters meet this standard [3].
While distilled water is sometimes suggested for brewing coffee and tea, it may not work well for either in terms of flavor. However, it will prevent mineral buildup in coffee machines and electric kettles.
There are other households uses for distilled water, including:
- Cleaning pans, pots, and kettles that may have mineral buildup
- Watering plants
- Cleaning and filling aquariums (but essential minerals should be added when filling a tank with distilled water)
- Filling appliances such as irons and humidifiers (to prevent mineral buildup)
[Read: Benefits of Drinking Cold Water]
Varieties
You can purchase a countertop distiller to prepare your own distilled water at home. You may also buy distilled water at most neighborhood stores.
Storage and Food Safety
Keep unopened distilled water bottles in a dry, cool place out of the sun. It doesn’t require refrigeration unless you choose the taste of chilled water.
Side effects of distilled water: Pros and cons
Besides its bland taste, distilled water does not provide you with minerals like magnesium and calcium that you get from faucet water.
Since distilled water doesn’t have its minerals, it tends to pull them from whatever it contacts to maintain a balance. So when you take distilled water, it may take out little quantities of minerals from your body, including your teeth.
Because you already receive most of the minerals you require from your diet, drinking distilled water should not make you deficient. Still, if you plan to drink distilled water, it’s a great idea to make sure you get your prescribed daily servings of vegetables and fruits.
[Read: Best & Worst Times of Drinking Water]
Distilled water benefits
Depending on where you stay, distilled water could be better for you than water from the tap. If your town’s water is tainted with pesticides or harmful chemicals, you’re safer drinking distilled water.
Cons
Storing distilled water could be more of an issue. Distilled water could pull in minerals from any material it contacts. This means it may absorb trace amounts of plastic or whatever substance in the container holding it [4]
Distilled water vs. the purified water
Distilled water is a variation of purified water that has had both minerals and contaminants removed. Purified water has had pollutants and chemicals removed, but it may still have minerals.
Purified water is filtered through one of the below processes:
Reverse osmosis filters the water using a unique material known as a semipermeable membrane. This material lets the fluid go through, but it takes away impurities and salt.
Distillation boils the water and also condenses the steam back into the liquid to eliminate minerals and impurities.
Deionization removes salt and other molecules(mineral ions) from water.
Health benefits of distilled water
Here are the health benefits of drinking distilled water:
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) notes that the distillation process is very effective at removing protozoa (such as giardia or cryptosporidium), bacteria (such as salmonella, campylobacter, shigella, E. coli), and viruses (including hepatitis A, enteric, rotavirus and norovirus).
According to the CDC, distillation also removes chemical contaminants, including barium, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, lead, nitrate, sulfate, sodium, and several organic chemicals. However, all community water systems must adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which sets safe levels for these contaminants. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) uses the same guidelines to regulate bottled water.
1. Safe for Compromised Immune Systems
If your immune system is suppressed or compromised, your physician may suggest that you drink distilled water since it is free from dangerous organisms. “Crypto” (also known as cryptosporidium ), for instance, can exacerbate or cause illness. While other methods do not remove crypto from the water supply, distillation destroys it. Reverse osmosis also destroys the virus.
2. Low in Sodium
Few people on low-sodium diets choose distilled water because the sodium in it has been eliminated. While most tap water does have sodium, levels are still relatively mild, so distilled water may not be required. If you are sticking to a low-sodium diet, check with a registered dietitian or your physician.
3. Provides Essential Hydration
Drinking sufficient water is critical for wellness and health. If your water is distilled and motivates you to drink more, it may be the right choice for you (but make sure you are receiving minerals through food sources).
Common uses for distilled water
Because distilled water has been taken away from its minerals, it’s often used in household appliances and cars. Here are a few common uses:
- aquariums (mineral supplements must be incorporated to the fish food)
- steam irons
- car cooling systems
- watering plants
- specific medical devices, such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices for sleep apnea
- laboratory experiments
Bottom Line
Distilled water is not likely to drastically enhance your health, but it possibly won’t hurt it either. If you do not mind the taste and get enough minerals from a well-balanced diet, it’s okay to drink distilled.
You may also use distilled water for household purposes. Pour it in your car’s cooling system or your iron to prevent mineral pileup. Or, use it to fill your aquarium or water your plants.
