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Doctors will tell you to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated and healthy. Bottled water sales are the fastest growing beverage sales in the United States, doubling from 1998 to 2000. But what type of water is best for your health?
Tap Water – This is the least expensive and most convenient type of water by far. City water sources have to meet minimum federal standards. As a result, tap water is usually up to par - if not better than - bottled water as far as quality and purity. True, some fluoride is added to tap water to help protect against cavities, but most experts feel this is a plus. No studies have proven that the fluoride poses any sort of a health risk.
Bottled Water - Bottled water is not federally monitored, and is not usually tested for purity. If you choose bottled water, select those labeled “spring” or “purified” to ensure that any contaminants have been removed. Bottled water can be expensive, and the waste from the plastic bottles has become an issue for landfills.
Mineralized Water - If your water comes from a well, you are most likely drinking mineralized water. While some taste tests have shown that many feel mineralized water has the “cleanest” taste, the added minerals have not been shown to provide health benefits.
Distilled Water – Distilled water had all impurities removed. It is often recommended for use in aquariums, cooling systems and humidifiers. Some religions believe distilled water is a cleansing agent for the body.
Filtered Water - Taking tap water and filtering it through an at-home filtration device removes more containment then even bottled water manufacturers do. Choosing filtered rather than bottled water also reduces waste and can save you money.
Whichever form of water you choose, drink it often. Drinking adequate amounts of water has been proven to help regulate appetite, increase metabolism, increase energy levels, flush unwanted bacteria, alleviate headaches and even help prevent breast, colon and bladder cancers. |
