Purified vs Distilled Water: What’s the Difference?

No matter where you are, quality water consumption is essential for good health. There is a wealth of evidence supporting a connection between quality water consumption and good overall health and wellbeing. That is why increasing numbers of Americans are taking extra measures to ensure the water coming out of their faucets is of the highest and healthiest quality.

This is where the debate over whether purified vs distilled water is better for your health. When it comes to distilled water vs purified water, there are many pros and cons and one option may be better for you and your needs than another. With that in mind, read on to find out the difference between purified and distilled water, and which might be better for you and your family.

What is Purified Water?

First off, it is worth asking what is purified water? Put simply, this is water that has been treated via a filtration process to remove impurities such as chemicals. Generally, home water purifiers remove toxic elements such as bacteria, fungi, heavy metals, and algae. Water purifiers are generally used to ensure that water is safe for human consumption.

What is Distilled Water?

So, what is distilled water, and how does it differ from purified water? Essentially, distilled water is a form of purified water. Distillation is the process of evaporating water and collecting the steam, which then becomes water again. This is a simple but hugely effective way of removing contaminants and ensuring that the only thing that is left behind is pure, drinkable water.

Purified vs Distilled Water: Which is Better?

Both types of water are exceptionally safe for human consumption, but each has its own pros and cons. These include:

Distilled Water Pros

Distilled water is a very popular option in American homes, owing to the ease, affordability, and efficiency of the process. Distilled water tends to remove chemicals such as chlorine, which many water purification methods fail to do.

It is also considered to be an ideal process for those suffering from long-term conditions such as HIV/AIDS, who may not respond well to consuming water straight from the tap. When making a choice about which water distillation system to have in your home, always consult the professionals.

Distilled Water Cons

The main con of distilled water is that it can be too effective at purifying the water. The process of distillation also tends to remove natural electrolytes and minerals found in water, meaning that the water you consume may be missing some health benefits.

Purified Water Pros

Water purifiers are best used in countries where drinking water is generally unsafe and is likely to contain heavy metals and pollutants. In the West, water purifiers will not make a huge difference in drinking water quality. However, in regions such as South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, they will make the world of difference.

Purified Water Cons

A major con of water purifiers is that they remove fluoride from water. Fluoride is a common chemical found in tap water that is associated with good tooth health. As a result, excessive water purification has been associated with increased tooth decay in some countries.

Make the Right Health Choices in 2021

Whether it is deciding between purified vs distilled water or just about any other important health choice, we have got you covered. To make more informed decisions about your health in 2021 and beyond, make sure to consult our extensive Health Tips to stay in the know.