RO water, also known as reverse osmosis water, is a slightly acidic filtered water that contains only water molecules, without any contaminants. So let’s learn more about it!
Many of us think of drinking water from a tap as a no-brainer. Turn it on, whoosh, take a gulp, and get on with the day. But, what if I told you that you expose yourself to so much risk when you do this 5-seconds activity?
Yeah…Even the New York Times reported that numerous companies, including manufacturing plants and chemical factories, have violated regulations by bombarding the environment with harmful chemicals.
So, you see, filtering your water is really the best way to effectively eliminate the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, toxins, and lead. A Brita water pitcher is one suitable method.
Filtering water through reverse osmosis is, in fact, an efficient way of expelling dangerous contaminants. If so, why then has RO water been associated with so much negative light?
In this article, we would explore the facts, debunk myths, and reveal the potential safety of RO water.
What Is Reverse Osmosis Water?
If you have been doing some research about the filtration system, you would have come across the term ‘reverse osmosis’.
Reverse osmosis is a process in which contaminated water is forced through a semipermeable membrane (a membrane that allows only certain substances to pass through it).
It is noteworthy that this membrane consists of holes large enough to allow for the passage of only water molecules.
Under pressure, the contaminant molecules are removed. Whatever is left is clean water.
What Are The Advantages Of RO Water?
Since RO water takes care of lead contaminants, the risk of high blood pressure is reduced.
Also, parasites such as cryptosporidium which could lead to gastrointestinal pains are eliminated- say bye to stomach pain!
What’s more, is that you have a cleaner and fresher water which tastes better and is more recommended for cooking.
Let’s not forget the financial implications. With such clean water, you get to save money on purchasing bottled water.
With less plastic use, you get to save the environment through reduced waste.
Come on! Health, financial, and environmental benefits – I’m sure these benefits are tempting enough to make you want to purchase RO systems for your home!
Is Reverse Osmosis Water Safe To Drink?
Truth be said, despite its numerous benefits, RO water has one major drawback. It is totally purified.
Aside from the absence of contaminants, being totally purified also includes the removal of useful nutrients. Let’s check out the myths relating to the consumption of RO water.
Myth 1: ‘It Has No Nutrients? It Is Not Safe!’
Does it have no nutrients? Agreed. But, come to think of it, tap water itself has not so many nutrients.
In fact, the beneficial nutrients could be considered infinitesimal when compared to the numerous contaminant molecules.
So, why open up your body to so many toxins in a bid to get few nutrients that could be easily substituted for in your diet?
Myth 2: ‘It Is Too Acidic, Do Not Drink It’
On a ‘1-14’ pH scale, ‘1-6’ indicates acidic, 7 is neutral, and ‘8-14’ is basic. Normal water has a pH of 7, meaning it is neutral.
However, after the removal of impurities in the reverse osmosis process, the pH usually drops below 7 to about 5.5. That means the water becomes mildly acidic.
Hey, chill…there’s nothing to worry about. When the water enters your stomach, it mixes with the acid there. And trust me, 5.5 pH level is nothing close to the pH level of the acids in your stomach.
So, really, that’s really not a problem.
No doubt, RO water is not perfect. There might be claims that the water is not nutritious or is too acidic, but really, these are mere myths.
After the process, the product is clean water with zero impurities. In summary: Yes, RO water is 100% safe to drink!
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