Purified vs Distilled vs Regular Water: What’s the Difference?

Optimal water intake is essential for your health.

Every cell in your body needs water to function correctly, which is why you must continuously hydrate throughout the day.

Most people know how important water intake is, but some are confused over the best type of water to drink.

This article investigates the differences between purified, distilled and regular water to find out which one is the best choice for hydration.

What Is Purified Water?

Purified water is water that has been filtered or processed to remove impurities like chemicals and other contaminants.

It is usually produced using groundwater or tap water.

Through purification, many types of impurities are removed, including:

·        Bacteria

·        Algae

·        Fungi

·        Parasites

·        Metals like copper and lead

·        Chemical pollutants

Several methods are used to purify water commercially and in the home.

In most Western countries, public drinking water is purified to make water safe for human consumption.

However, standards for drinking water around the world vary and are typically based on governmental regulations or international standards.

In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 2.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.

In countries that purify public drinking water, various treatment methods are used to make water safe, including:

·        Coagulation and flocculation: Positively charged chemicals are added to water to bind with negatively charged particles so they can be filtered out. This forms larger particles called floc.

·        Sedimentation: Due to its larger size, floc settles to the bottom of the water supply, separated from the clean water.

·        Filtration: The fresh water on top of the amount then flows through numerous filtration systems made of sand, charcoal, and gravel. This removes contaminants like dust, bacteria, chemicals, and viruses.

·        Disinfection: During this step, chemical disinfectants like chlorine are added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses that may have survived the first few steps.

It’s important to note that water may be treated differently depending on the area and quality of the local water.

SUMMARY: Purified water is water that has been processed to remove contaminants like dirt and chemicals. In many countries, tap water is purified to make it safe for human consumption.

Health Benefits of Purified Water

While tap water is safe to drink in many areas, it may still contain trace contaminants.

For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets legal limits that are considered safe for consumers for over 90 contaminants in drinking water.

However, the Safe Water Drinking Act gives individual states the ability to regulate their own drinking water standards, as long as they meet the EPA’s minimum requirements for contaminants.

This means that some states have more stringent drinking water regulations than others.

Although measures are taken to ensure that public drinking water is safe for consumption, it can contain trace amounts of contaminants that could negatively impact health.

For instance, the heavy metals lead, and copper are incredibly toxic to health. They can cause stomach distress and lead to brain damage when ingested over time.

These heavy metals have been known to leach into drinking water, even in countries where public water sources are carefully regulated.

By using in-home water filters or drinking purified bottled water, drinking water undergoes another level of purification that can remove metals, chemicals, and other contaminants, depending on the type of purification system used.

Water purification systems like charcoal filters remove chlorine, a common chemical added to the public water supply as a disinfectant.

Several studies have linked chlorinated water to an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal cancer.

Another benefit of water purification is that it removes unpleasant tastes associated with chemical treatments, organic matter or metal plumbing, leaving you with fresh, pure-tasting drinking water.

SUMMARY: Water purification removes contaminants that may remain in drinking water and improves water quality and taste.

Potential Downfalls of Purified Water

While purified water has many health benefits, it also has some potential drawbacks.

For example, fluoride is a mineral that is added to public drinking water supplies in some countries to improve dental health and reduce dental decay.

Although this practice has led to decreased tooth decay in children, especially in at-risk areas, some argue that fluoridated water is not worth the potential health risks associated with its use.

Excessive fluoride levels can be toxic to both brain and nerve cells, and long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride has been linked to learning, memory and cognitive deficits.

However, experts argue that the level of fluoride found in drinking water is safe and beneficial in reducing tooth decay, especially in children who are only exposed to fluoride through drinking water.

Research on the safety and efficacy of fluoridated water is ongoing, but those who drink purified water should be aware that some purification systems remove fluoride from drinking water.

Some other disadvantages of purified water include:

·        Upkeep: Water purification systems must regularly be maintained. If not properly managed, contaminants can build up in old filters and leach into your drinking water.

·        May does not remove some pollutants: Although water purification systems remove many contaminants, certain pesticides and chemicals may remain in purified water depending on the type of purification used.

·        Cost: Both installing an in-home water purification system and buying purified bottled water can be expensive, with some systems costing hundreds of dollars.

·        Waste: Buying purified water in plastic bottles leads to a significant amount of waste, as does dispose of used filters from in-home purification systems.

SUMMARY: Water purification may not remove all contaminants from drinking water, and specific purification systems can be costly and involve upkeep. Specific purification methods remove fluoride, a mineral added to drinking water to improve dental health.

Distilled Water Is a Type of Purified Water

Distilled water has gone through the process of distillation to remove impurities.

Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which returns to pool upon cooling.

This process is very effective at removing contaminants like bacteria, viruses, protozoa like giardia and chemicals like lead and sulfate.

Due to the fact that distilled water is exceptionally pure, it is commonly used in medical facilities and laboratories.

Though drinking distilled water is not as ordinary as drinking other types of purified water, some people choose to drink it because it is free of contaminants.

Benefits of Distilled Water

Water distillation is an efficient way to remove contaminants from drinking water.

Levels of pesticides and other chemicals in public water sources like tap water will depend on your geographic location and the agencies that regulate drinking water safety in your country.

Distilled water is substantially free of contaminants like pesticides and bacteria, which could be especially helpful to those with weakened immune systems.

For example, those with HIV/AIDS and certain cancers are at an increased risk of becoming sick from impurities in food and water and may benefit from drinking distilled water.

What’s more, like some other purification methods, distilled water effectively removes chlorine from drinking water, which can improve the taste of water while decreasing your exposure to chlorine.

Potential Risks of Distilled Water

While distilled water is the purest type of water, it’s not necessarily healthiest.

The distillation process is very effective at removing potentially harmful contaminants, but it also removes the natural minerals and electrolytes found in water.

Along with unwanted impurities, beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium are also left behind as the steam rises during the distillation process.

In fact, distillation typically removes around 99.9% of all minerals found in tap water.

Though water is not usually thought of as a source of minerals, any factor that leads to a decreased intake of essential micronutrients could negatively impact your health.

For example, drinking water that's low in calcium and magnesium has been associated with an increased risk of fracture, preterm birth, and heart disease).

However, it’s important to note that tap water is not a significant source of mineral intake for most people, and drinking distilled water should be relatively safe as long as a well-balanced diet is followed.

Like other methods of purification, distillation removes fluoride from drinking water, which may put those who choose to drink distilled water at an increased risk of cavities.

This makes it essential for those who drink distilled water to maintain proper dental hygiene.

SUMMARY: Distilled water is a type of purified water that is virtually free from contaminants. The distillation process removes fluoride and natural minerals found in drinking water.

Should You Choose Purified Water Over Regular Water?

In most cases, public drinking water sources like tap water are safe due to the strict contaminant limits set by regulatory agencies.

However, drinking water can become contaminated from natural sources or human activity, affecting water quality.

For this reason, it may be a good idea to invest in an in-home water purification system, especially those who are immunocompromised and more susceptible to becoming ill from contaminated water.

In countries where water contamination is an issue, especially in developing countries with lack of proper sanitation, choosing bottled or purified water is always the safest option.

Many types of purification systems are available, including charcoal and UV filters, which remove impurities that may survive the initial, large-scale purification process that most tap water goes through.

That being said, in countries where public drinking water is regulated for quality and safety, drinking tap water is relatively safe.

If you question the quality of your tap water, you can test the water by purchasing a home test kit or contacting a water testing agency in your area.

SUMMARY: Though consuming tap water is safe in countries where drinking water is regulated, water purification may be necessary for areas where water contamination is an issue.

How to Purify Your Drinking Water

Most public sources of drinking water are regulated for safety, but some people choose to use home water purifiers to further improve water quality.

Household water treatment units can improve the taste or odor of tap water and remove specific contaminants.

Point-of-use (POU) treatment systems purify only the water that is used for consumption (drinking and cooking). Point-of-entry (PUE) treatment systems typically treat all of the water entering a home.

POU systems are less expensive and therefore more commonly used in households.

These filtration systems attach to the faucet or sit under the sink and also come in free-standing water pitchers with built-in filters like the popular Brita water filter.

Some refrigerators also come with built-in water purification systems.

Most in-home water filtration systems use the following purification techniques:

·        Filtration: Filtration systems trap unwanted impurities in the surface or pores of an absorbent medium. Charcoal filters fall into this category.

·        Reverse osmosis: These systems use a semipermeable membrane that removes impurities.

·        UV light: UV light filtration systems use ultraviolet light to disinfect water by killing potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

Depending on the type and model, prices can range from $20 to hundreds of dollars.

No matter what type of filter you choose, be sure to look for brands with certifications from regulatory agencies like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and NSF International.

These agencies certify that home water purification systems meet or exceed national drinking water standards.

Home water purification systems must be adequately maintained. As a result, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for upkeep, including filter replacement, to ensure that your water is being adequately purified.

SUMMARY: There are many ways to purify your drinking water, including charcoal filters, UV light filtration systems and reverse osmosis systems.

The Bottom Line

Access to clean drinking water is vital to health.

While most sources of public drinking water are strictly regulated and safe to drink, many prefer to drink purified water.

Purified water is relatively safe and may reduce exposure to specific contaminants that can be found in tap water.

Remember that water quality can vary depending on where you live. This should be the determining factor when choosing to drink purified water or tap water.

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Fruits and vegetables contain the nutrition that fuels our health and body. Ever wondered that without them we cannot survive for more than a year or two? Check out the healthiest fruits on earth that you should be eating every now and then.¹

1. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away; it is as simple as that. An active antioxidant present on the skin of apples, quercetin, packs antihistamines and anti-inflammatory properties, helping you protect your heart and your body from chronic inflammatory diseases.

2. Bananas

High in potassium and vitamin B6, bananas can improve your heart health, maintain and steady blood pressure and muscle functioning.

3. Grapefruit

Grapefruits are a staple diet loss food. They are high in vitamin C, and promote good health.The antioxidants in them accelerate fat loss.

4. Blueberries

This superfood is known for the antioxidant content. They are accommodating at promoting cognitive functioning and improving eyesight.

5. Blackberries

They are extremely high in antioxidant and polyphenol content. They fight against aging and chronic diseases.

6. Kiwi

They are high in vitamin C and fiber, which makes them an important fruit in our diet. Also, they are readily available.

7. Pomegranate

They lower blood pressure, help in digestion, prevent heart disease, and lower risks of cancer. The antioxidants in them delay the process of aging.

8. Cherries

Anthocyanin, a dark red colored antioxidant in them, reduces inflammation, and cholesterol levels. They also reduce blood vessels inflammation considerably.

9. Pineapple

They are a great source of bromelain, one of the strongest digestive enzymes. They are packed with numerous health promoting nutrients.

10. Avocado

A great source of monosaturated fats and fatty acids, avocados can help in lowering LDL levels while raising the amount of good cholesterol. The healthy fats in are essential for your heart health.

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Another reason to exercise: Burning bone fat a key to better bone health

Date: May 18, 2017

Source: University of North Carolina Health Care

Summary: It's a fat-burning secret anyone interested in bone health should know. For the first time, researchers show that exercising burns the fat found within the bone marrow and offers evidence that this process improves bone quality and the amount of bone in a matter of weeks.

It's a fat-burning secret anyone interested in bone health should know. For the first time, UNC School of Medicine researchers shows that exercising burns the fat found within the bone marrow and offers evidence that this process improves bone quality and the amount of bone in a matter of weeks.

The study, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, also suggests obese individuals -- who often have worse bone quality -- may derive even greater bone health benefits from exercising than their lean counterparts.

"One of the main clinical implications of this research is that exercise is not just good, but amazing for bone health," said lead author Maya Styner, MD, a physician and assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "In just a very short period of time, we saw that running was building bone significantly in mice."

Although research in mice is not directly translatable to the human condition, the kinds of stem cells that produce bone and fat in mice are the same kind that produces bone and fat in humans.

Composite CT scans of mouse femurs are shown. LFD-E refers to low-fat diet plus exercise. DIO-E refers to diet-induced obesity plus exercise. Red, yellow: less fat in bone. Green, blue, and purple: higher fat amounts. Exercise dramatically reduced bone fat.

Credit: M. Styner, et al

In addition to its implications for obesity and bone health, Styner said the research also could help illuminate some of the factors behind bone degradation associated with conditions like diabetes, arthritis, anorexia, and the use of steroid medications.

In her patients, Styner is all too familiar with the chronic toll of osteoporosis and fractures. This new evidence shows it's possible to use exercise to reverse some of the effects on bones.

"I see a lot of patients with poor bone health, and I always talk to them about what a dramatic effect exercise can have on bones, regardless of what the cause of their bone condition is," said Styner. "With obesity, it seems that you get even more bone formation from exercise. Our studies of bone biomechanics show that the quality and the strength of the bone is significantly increased with exercise and even more so in the obese exercisers"

Getting to the marrow of the matter

Bone and marrow are more dynamic than you might think. Morrow, in particular, is a hub of activity, coordinating the formation of bone and cartilage while simultaneously churning out blood cells, immune cells, and cancerous cells.

Marrow also produces fat, which has a lot to do with its vaunted status in cuisines around the world. But the physiological role of bone marrow fat in the body -- and even whether it is beneficial or harmful for one's health -- has remained somewhat mysterious.

Generally, marrow fat has been thought to comprise a special fat reserve that is not used to fuel energy during exercise in the same way other fat stores are used throughout the body during exercise. The new study offers evidence to the contrary.

Styner's work also offers fundamental insights on how marrow fat forms and the impact it has on bone health. Previous studies have suggested that a higher amount of marrow fat increases the risk of fractures and other problems.

"There's been intense interest in marrow fat because it's highly associated with states of low bone density, but scientists still haven't understood its physiologic purpose," said Styner. "We know that exercise has a profound effect on fat elsewhere in the body, and we wanted to use exercise as a tool to understand the fat in the marrow."

Vanishing fat cells

The researchers performed their experiments in two groups of mice. One group was fed a normal diet (lean mice) and the other received a high-fat diet (obese mice) starting a month after birth. When they were four months old, half the mice in each group were given a running wheel to use whenever they liked for the next six weeks. Because mice like to run, the group with access to a wheel tended to spend a lot of time exercising.

The researchers analysed the animals' body composition, marrow fat and bone quantity at various points. Predictably, the obese mice started with more fat cells and larger fat cells in their marrow. After exercising for six weeks, both obese and lean mice showed a significant reduction in the overall size of fat cells and the overall amount fat in the marrow. In these respects, the marrow fat of exercising obese mice looked virtually identical to the marrow fat of lean mice, even those that exercised.

Perhaps more surprising was the dramatic difference in the number of fat cells present in the marrow, which showed no change in lean mice but dropped by more than half in obese mice that exercised compared to obese mice that were sedentary. The tests also revealed that exercise improved the thickness of bone and that this effect was particularly pronounced in obese mice.

According to Styner, all of this points to the conclusion that marrow fat can be burned off through exercise and that this process is good for bones.

"Obesity appears to increase a fat depot in the bone, and this depot behaves very much like abdominal and other fat depots," said Styner. "Exercise is able to reduce the size of this fat depot and burn it for fuel and at the same time build stronger, larger bones."

Setting the stage

The research leaves a few lingering mysteries. A big one is figuring out the exact relationship between burning marrow fat and building better bone. It could be that when fat cells are burned during exercise, the marrow uses the released energy to make more bone.

Or, because both fat and bone cells come from parent cells known as mesenchymal stem cells, it could be that exercise somehow stimulates these stem cells to churn out more bone cells and less fat cells.

More research will be needed to parse this out. "What we can say is there's a lot of evidence suggesting that marrow fat is being used as fuel to make more bone, rather than there being an increase in the diversion of stem cells into bone," said Styner.

But marrow fat, being encased in bone, isn't easy to study. The team's new research represents a leap forward not only in understanding bone marrow fat but also in the tools to study it.

The group's previous work relied on micro-CT imaging, which requires the use of a toxic tracer to measure marrow fat. In the new study, they took advantage of UNC's 9.4 TMRI, a sophisticated MRI machine of which there are only a few around the country. Using MRI to assess marrow fat eliminates the need for the toxic tracer and allows highly detailed imaging of living organisms.

"If we want to take this technique to the human level, we could study marrow fat in humans in a much more reliable fashion now," said Styner. "And our work shows this is possible."

The team also developed techniques to perform a much more detailed assessment of the number and size of fat cells within the marrow and even examined some of the key proteins involved in the formation and reduction of bone marrow fat.

Styner is now working with collaborators to adapt these methods for studying the bone marrow dynamics that might be at work in other conditions, including anorexia and post-menopausal osteoporosis.

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Story Source:

Materials provided by University of North Carolina Health Care. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

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Journal Reference:

Maya Styner, Gabriel M Pagnotti, Cody McGrath, Xin Wu, Buer Sen, Gunes Uzer, Zhihui Xie, Xiaopeng Zong, Martin A Styner, Clinton T Rubin, Janet Rubin. Exercise Decreases Marrow Adipose Tissue Through ß-Oxidation in Obese Running Mice. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2017; DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3159