Water's pH Balance
Impact on Taste and Health
Water is often taken for granted, yet it is a vital component of our daily lives. We drink it, cook with it, and use it for various household purposes without much thought.
Before we dive into the relationship between pH and water, let's establish a fundamental understanding of pH. pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity.
Water, in its purest form, has a pH of 7, making it neutral. However, the pH of water can vary based on various factors, such as minerals, carbonation and contaminants it contains. These variations can affect the taste and overall quality of the water.
Impact on Taste
Taste is a complex sensory experience influenced by several factors, and pH plays a role in this regard.
“Only 5% of the flavor profile is driven by pH with the rest the result of mineral content and carbonation”
Acidity and Bitterness: Water with a lower pH, tending toward acidity, can impart a slightly sour or bitter taste. This is because acidic water can interact with taste receptors on our tongues, leading to an altered perception of the flavors in foods and beverages. Some people might even describe acidic water as having a metallic or tart taste.
Alkalinity and Smoothness: Conversely, water with a higher pH, leaning toward alkalinity, can taste smoother and less harsh. Alkaline water is often described as having a "soft" or "sweet" taste. Many people find it more pleasant, especially when drinking it on its own.
Enhancing or Diluting Flavors: The pH of water can also influence how it interacts with the flavors of the foods and beverages we consume. For example, a slightly acidic water might enhance the tanginess of citrus fruits, while alkaline water might mellow out the bitterness of certain vegetables.
Coffee and Tea: pH also affects the taste of coffee and tea, two of the world's most consumed beverages. Coffee enthusiasts often pay attention to the pH of their water, as it can impact the extraction of flavors from coffee beans. Similarly, the pH of water used for brewing tea can affect the taste and appearance of the brewed tea.
Impact on Hydration or Health
Hydration is a fundamental aspect of human health but the pH of the water we consume has not been proven to affect our overall health or hydration.
While water with a neutral pH of 7 is generally considered safe and suitable for hydration, some argue that slightly alkaline water may be more effective at hydrating the body. The reasoning behind this is that alkaline water may help counteract the acidic nature of many modern diets, potentially promoting better overall health and hydration.
There is not enough medical evidence to support these marketing claims of increase health or hydration.
“Because the fluid in the stomach is so acidic, once regular or alkaline water gets down to your stomach there will be little difference in the resulting stomach fluid pH. You could potentially raise the stomach fluid pH by drinking a lot of alkaline water, but it would only be temporary. Even if you drank enough alkaline water to slightly raise the pH of your blood, your kidneys would quickly go into action to rebalance your blood pH.
One potential benefit of alkaline water is to provide symptom relief of heartburn from acid reflux. But again, this would only be temporary. There are much more effective options, such as antacids and drugs that block stomach acid production.”
Water's pH balance is a factor that may influence taste and your experience with water. Whether you prefer slightly alkaline water for its smoothness or neutral water for its versatility, understanding the impact of pH on your drinking water can help you understand the overall experience.
Ultimately, the best water for you is the one you enjoy drinking. So, whether you savor the crisp taste of neutral water or the subtle sweetness of alkaline water, remember to prioritize hydration for your overall health and well-being.
