The myths and truths behind reverse osmosis water

There is a common misconception that drinking water that has been purified is harmful to health because it lacks minerals. However, the idea that drinking water should be a source of minerals is a myth. While minerals are important for health, in first world countries, they are typically obtained from food, not water. In fact, drinking water that is high in minerals, such as hard water, can have negative health effects in some cases.  Additionally, in most cases, tap water does not contain an impressive array of minerals and in almost all cases the minerals in tap water are accompanied with harmful contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, Glyphosate (the active ingredient found in Round Ups popular weed killer), radiological contaminants, heavy metals, chlorine, chloramine and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). 

RO (reverse osmosis) is a highly effective method of purifying water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane that rejects contaminants while allowing pure water molecules to pass through. This results in water that is free of harmful contaminants that may be present in tap water.  In fact, if you look at many of the most popular bottled water brands sold throughout the world for the last few decades, you’ll find that most of them are purified with reverse osmosis.   Coca Colas “Dasani” as well as the Pepsi Companies “Aquafina” are both purified with Reverse Osmosis.   It is safe to say that neither of these companies would risk litigation if drinking purified water was harmful to humans.  

Our bodies do indeed need minerals, for example, Calcium is an essential mineral that is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Although some people try to obtain calcium from drinking water that has been fortified with the mineral, the calcium found in water may not be as easily absorbed by the body as the calcium found in certain foods, such as broccoli. Broccoli is a rich source of calcium, with about 50 milligrams per cup of cooked broccoli. In addition to calcium, broccoli contains other nutrients, such as vitamin K, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health and can help enhance the absorption of calcium.  

Therefore, while drinking water that has been fortified with minerals may seem like a convenient way to obtain minerals, eating a variety of whole foods is a more effective way to promote mineral absorption and utilization in the body.

The information provided on this in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.