- Distilled water is water that has been purified through the process of distillation---boiling the water and condensing the steam into a clean container. Any impurities, including minerals, are left behind, resulting in pure water.
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Drinking distilled water offers the same health benefits as drinking regular tap water or bottled water: it hydrates the body and organs, flushes out toxins, regulates the body's elimination process, helps with weight management by keeping the body feeling full and regulates body temperature.
In addition, distilled water provides the cleanest water possible. According to Dr. Andrew Weil's Web site, "the process of distillation kills and removes virtually all bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and other organic and inorganic contaminants. Once distilled, the water is as pure as water can reasonably be." It is also close to a neutral pH and does not affect the acid balance of the body. - Many rumors about the potential dangers of drinking distilled water exist, but they are unfounded. Distillation removes both beneficial and harmful minerals; but, contrary to marketing efforts by some marketers who sell filters that supposedly keep the "good" minerals" in the water, pure water does not leach minerals away from the body. Nor does it wreak havoc with the intake of necessary minerals---the amounts of minerals in regular drinking water are typically low, and drinking distilled water does not curb the daily supply enough to make a much of a difference.
- Distilled water for drinking is available at most grocery stores, usually in 1 gallon containers. Many beverage companies use distilled water in their products in order to control taste and purity. Distilled water is also necessary on ships and in arid seaside communities with limited access to freshwater.
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Although gallon jugs of distilled water can be purchased at most food markets or health food stores, some people might prefer to distill their own drinking water. If there are problems with your main water supply, such as a weak municipal system, saltwater intrusion in a coastal community, contaminated well water, or a ship-bound supply, distilling water may make more fiscal sense than purchasing it by the gallon.
Countertop models with charcoal filters are available for purchase at home discount stores or on the Internet. A stovetop water distiller operates on several heat sources for daily use and emergencies. Larger models hook into a water source for on-demand distilled water.
