Chemistry labs and litmus paper experiments always sparked interest and excitement in us back in school. Well, that was probably our primary experiment into the science of pH. The red and blue picture is etched in our minds – colours that indicate acidity and alkalinity.
pH or potential hydrogen level ranges from a scale of 0-14. The middle value of the scale, which is 7, is neutral. A substance is acidic when its pH is below 7 and alkaline when above 7. Having a good pH balance is substantial for our overall health, according to doctors and scientists. The pH level in our body is influenced by the kind of food or drinks we intake.
The pH and water connect
pH plays a significant role in the properties of a liquid that contains water. The scale determines the corrosiveness of the water – whether it is hard or soft.
Water with a very low or high pH can be a sign of heavy metal or chemicals, and consuming heavy metals in water with a lower pH is more toxic than a higher pH. The high and low point can also indicate bacterial life and other contaminants present in water.
The pH level of freshwater can vary due to weather conditions, environment and natural processes. Acidic water with less than 6.5 pH can be contaminated with pollutants, corrode metal pipes, making it unsafe to consume. On the other hand, a high pH level causes a bitter taste, and water-using appliances or pipes through which water passes become encrusted with deposits.
Why Alkaline water
The capacity of a body of water in stabilizing its pH level or neutralizing acidity is Alkalinity. Drinking alkaline water with a pH between 8 and 9 can improve one’s health due to various benefits like superior and more sustained hydration, detoxification, improved metabolism and higher level of alertness.
One never knows… a glassful of alkaline water may make us age more slowly, block chronic diseases and help maintain a healthy pH in our body!
- July 29, 2020
- Alkaline water
