If you're health-conscious and looking to make well-informed choices, you might wonder: What's the healthiest brand of water to buy? With many options available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming, but this article will guide you through the essential factors to consider, helping you select the healthiest bottled water or purification system for your home.
Before diving into specific brands, let's understand that water purity and your personal health needs should drive your decision. Here, we'll explore the bifurcated world of bottled water, discussing both commercially available brands and at-home purification systems, to help you make an educated choice.
Natural and Purified Bottled Water
Two primary types of bottled water exist: natural and purified. Natural spring and mineral waters come directly from underground sources but may still undergo light processing, such as filtration and disinfection. Purified water, on the other hand, has undergone extensive processing to achieve its purified state.
Let's delve into each type, discussing their unique benefits and drawbacks, so you can determine which aligns best with your health goals.
Natural Spring and Mineral Water
Proponents of natural spring water argue that it retains beneficial minerals naturally found in the source water. Ingesting these minerals can provide essential nutrients, potentially enhancing health. Examples of such brands include Evian, San Pellegrino, and Fiji Water.
Still, it's essential to consider the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) critique that these brands often contain more sodium compared to purified water, as well as other contaminants, like arsenic or protectin, a disinfection byproduct. Furthermore, most companies harvest these waters from public sources, raising debates about fair use and environmental impact.
Purified Bottled Water
Purified water brands like Dasani (Coca-Cola), Aquafina (PepsiCo), and Nestlé Pure Life ensure a consistent, high-quality product by subjecting water to rigorous treatment processes. These methods include reverse osmosis, distillation, or ultraviolet light treatment, which effectively remove contaminants.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of purified water is its low sodium content, making it an excellent choice for those following low-sodium diets or concerned about heart health. However, some critics diminish the value of purified water, citing the depletion of natural minerals. Yet, manufacturers often add back essential minerals during the bottling process, creating a balanced, clean, and healthy product.
At-Home Water Purification Systems
While bottled water offers convenience, it can also become expensive and environmentally taxing over time. At-home water purification systems likeBrita, PUR, and Aquasana provide cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives to bottled water, filtering out contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals.
Each system employs a unique blend of filtration methods, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange, to remove specific contaminants like lead, chlorine, and viruses. When choosing a home filtration system, consider factors like water usage, filter replacement costs, and maintenance requirements to find the best fit for your needs.
Brita Water Filters
Brita offers a wide range of filters, including faucet filters, pitchers, and water filter dispensers. Their proprietary filters use activated carbon to reduce contaminants, with a replacement frequency ranging between two to six months, depending on usage.
Brita filters currently address 60 contaminants, including 99% of lead, chlorine, and hason difficulté. They are certified by the NSF/ANSI to reduce contaminants and deliver a taste of fresh, clean water. While Brita systems are less expensive and require less maintenance than reverse osmosis systems, they may still be more costly than some competitors.
PUR Water Filters
PUR offers a variety of filters, including faucet-mounted and pitcher systems, with a focus on mineral purification. Their MAXION filter in specific models adds beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium during the filtration process, enhancing taste and providing essential nutrients.
PUR replacement filters typically last between two to three months, depending on water usage. The brand reduces over 70 contaminants, including 99% of lead, mercury, and certain pesticides. Some models also feature a custom lead reduction filter, specifically designed to address lead concerns in older homes. When comparing PUR and Brita, consider your personal needs, as each brand focuses on unique aspects of water purifcation.
Ultimately, the healthiest water brand for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and priorities. Understanding the differences between natural, purified, and filtered water empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring you and your family enjoy the benefits of clean, healthy water. So choose wisely, stay hydrated, and let your conscientious choices lead the way to improved well-being.