Water is the source of life, and the normal functioning of the human body is inseparable from adequate water intake. Scientific studies have shown that an adult needs to consume about 2,000 ml of water per day. Among them, 600-800 ml is obtained through diet, and the rest needs to be obtained by drinking water and tea.
In modern society, people have a variety of ways to obtain drinking water, among which self-boiled water and bottled water are the mainstay. For many people, the choice of drinking water is not only about the convenience of daily life, but also about health. So, which is healthier for people who drink their own boiled water for a long time or those who often buy bottled water to drink? Next, let's talk about this topic that everyone is very concerned about.
1. Advantages and disadvantages of boiling water by yourself
Self-boiling water usually refers to taking water from a running water pipe and boiling it before drinking.
1. Water quality safety:
- Advantages: Boiling can effectively kill bacteria and viruses in tap water, reducing the health risks caused by water pollution. In addition, the boiled water is physically treated and does not add any chemicals, making it safer.
- Disadvantages: Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) and chemical contaminants (e.g., chlorine, organic pollutants) that may be present in tap water cannot be completely removed by boiling. If the tap water source is contaminated by industry, boiling does not completely eliminate the risk.
2. Health Impacts:
- Advantages: Boiled water can eliminate most pathogenic microorganisms at high temperatures and reduce the occurrence of waterborne diseases. At the same time, the water boiled by yourself does not contain preservatives or other additives, which is healthier.
- Disadvantages: Drinking tap water that contains high levels of minerals or contaminants for long periods of time may pose potential health risks. For example, high-hardness water contains more calcium and magnesium ions, and long-term consumption may affect kidney health.
3. Economic cost:
- Advantages: The cost of boiling your own water is lower, the price of tap water is cheap, and the cost of using the common water boiling equipment (such as electric kettle and gas stove) at home is low.
- Disadvantages: The process of boiling water requires electricity or gas, and it takes time and energy, which is not convenient enough.
4. Environmental impact:
- Advantages: Boiling drinking tap water does not require additional packaging materials, which reduces the generation of plastic waste and is conducive to environmental protection.
- Disadvantages: Boiling water requires energy consumption and may have an impact on the environment, especially if it is less energy efficient.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of bottled water
Bottled water usually refers to large-capacity bottled drinking water provided by merchants, such as mineral water and purified water.
1. Water quality safety:
- Advantages: Bottled water is usually strictly filtered and disinfected, removing impurities, bacteria and viruses from the water, and the water quality is relatively safe. In addition, many brands of mineral water come from natural sources and are rich in minerals.
- Disadvantages: The quality safety of bottled water depends on the manufacturer's standards and regulations. If the production process is not strict enough, or if there are problems with storage and transportation, the bottled water can become contaminated. In addition, the quality of some cheap bottled water cannot be guaranteed.
2. Health Impacts:
- Advantages: High-quality mineral water is rich in a variety of minerals that are beneficial to the human body, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc., which helps to replenish the nutrients in daily drinking water. Purified water, on the other hand, is multi-filtered and contains almost no impurities and contaminants, making it healthier.
- Disadvantages: Long-term consumption of purified water may lead to mineral deficiencies in the body, as purified water contains almost no minerals. For people who need to replenish minerals by drinking water, mineral water may be a better choice.
3. Economic cost:
- Pros: Bottled water is easy to use, requires no additional treatment, and is suitable for the hectic pace of modern life. Buying large volumes of bottled water is more reasonable than small bottled water.
- Disadvantages: The price of bottled water is higher compared to tap water, and long-term purchases may increase household expenses. In addition, some brands of high-end mineral water are expensive and not suitable for the daily consumption of ordinary families.
4. Environmental impact:
- Advantages: Some brands use reusable barrel containers, which helps to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles and reduce environmental pollution.
- Disadvantages: Bottled water is produced and transported with a certain amount of carbon emissions, and a large amount of plastic waste needs to be disposed of after use. Without an effective recycling mechanism, it can cause pollution to the environment.
3. Comprehensive comparative analysis
Through the above analysis, we can see that self-boiled water and bottled water have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the specific choice should be considered according to individual circumstances and needs:
1. Water quality safety:
If the local tap water quality is good and the household equipment is hygienic, boiling your own water is a safe and economical option; If you have high water quality requirements, it is safer to choose a reputable bottled water brand.
2. Health needs:
People who need to supplement minerals can choose mineral water; People who need purified water can choose purified water, but care should be taken to supplement with minerals from other sources.
3. Economic cost:
People with better economic conditions and a fast pace of life can choose bottled water; For families who need to save money, boiling their own water is a more economical option.
4. Environmental protection:
Environmentally conscious people should minimize the use of single-use plastic bottles and choose reusable barrels or boiled water.
In short, no matter which drinking water method you choose, you should pay attention to the safety and health of the water source, and arrange your daily drinking habits reasonably to achieve the best health results.