What is Distilled Water
Those who want to ensure their water is microbe-free, mineral-free and chemical-free can make it at home with the help of a simple distilling process. Distillation involves heating water to its boiling point, collecting the steam and cooling it to condensation to produce pure drinking water. This process can be used to sterilize medical equipment, clean glassware and prevent mineral build-up in devices like coffee pots and electric kettles.
The distilled water can also be used in the cosmetic industry to avoid unwanted minerals, as well as to reduce the chances of bacterial contamination in food canning products. It is also used in lead-acid batteries and automotive cooling systems, as it does not cause mineral build-up and corrosion. It can also be used in laboratory experiments and in some cases, such as with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) sleep apnea device, to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Some people believe that how to make distilled water may be helpful in reducing the risk of kidney stones because it does not contain the minerals that can contribute to their formation. Other benefits of distilled water are that it is thought to be more hydrating than other types of water and that it can help neutralize acid in the body. It may also help in preventing calcification of the arteries and blood vessels because it does not have the calcium carbonate that is found in tap water.
What is Distilled Water and Why Would Someone Want to Make It?
While distilled water is considered safe to drink, some people do not find it enjoyable to drink because it has a flat taste and lacks the minerals and other nutrients that are found in most tap and bottled waters. This makes it less suitable for preparing coffee and tea, or using in cooking recipes. Additionally, it is not recommended for use by those who engage in intense physical activity because they need electrolytes to aid hydration as they sweat.
The most obvious reason for making distilled water is to eliminate impurities that can negatively affect health, including the chemicals used in agriculture and industrial processes that seep into the groundwater supply. This can be a particular concern for people who are immunocompromised or at a higher risk of infections from chemical contaminants, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and organ transplant recipients. The process of boiling the water to its boiling point kills most microorganisms that can cause disease and leaves behind only the salts,
minerals and other organic and inorganic compounds that are in the source water. This can make distilled water an especially good choice for people who are concerned about the quality of their municipal tap water. This includes those living in rural areas where their local water supply has high levels of arsenic, nitrates and other contaminants. It can also be useful for those who have a weakened immune system because of conditions such as HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. The sterile, mineral-free water is also ideal for the use by medical personnel in operating rooms and for cleaning surgical tools and equipment.