Article from Newsport Daily, newsport.com.au, by Rosie Wang
So why is the pH value of water important?
Recent health research and awareness is alerting peoples attention to the benefits of alkalinity in our food and water.
The body is highly tuned to maintain its own pH balance with the proper nutrients. When the body is not receiving enough alkaline minerals from water and food then it robs calcium from its bones to neutralise acidity. Once the alkaline mineral supplies become deleted then the body becomes overly acidic.
To offset this effect, drinking naturally alkaline water daily will help to buffer acid. It is to be noted, that unnaturally ionised water is not a healthy alternative, as you will consume alkalinity but without the beneficial nutrients of the natural minerals found in natural alkaline water.
In the case of naturally alkaline water, it is recommended to drink at least two litres per day. Alkalinity is a result of naturally alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium and any excess is stored by the body for future use.
Although research into alkaline water is somewhat controversial, there are a few studies that suggest alkaline water might be helpful for certain conditions.
From early research published in the medical journal Bone it found that pH value could affect bone resorption. Bone resorption is the process whereby old bone cells are broken down and then replaced with new ones.
As a conclusion it stated that ‘a bicarbonate and calcium rich alkali mineral water could decrease bone resorption more than a calcium-rich acidic mineral water’.
A 2012 study discovered that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 could help deactivate pepsin, which is the main enzyme that causes acid reflux.
Other studies suggest that drinking alkaline water may have benefits for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
A more recent study found a significant difference in whole blood viscosity after consuming high pH water compared to normal water after a strenuous workout. This means that with alkaline water the blood flowed more efficiently. This allows for increased oxygen delivery to your body.
Proponents of alkaline water still believe in the many proposed health benefits:
• Anti-aging properties (via liquid antioxidants that absorb more quickly into the human body)
• Cancer resistance
• Immune system support
• Colon-cleansing properties
• Hydration, skin health, and other detoxifying properties
• Weight loss
Now that you know the pH values of locally available bottled water you can make an educated consumer choice as to the bottled water that you buy.
