Regular drinking of alkaline water is very beneficial to our health. Not only does it prevent occurrences of deadly diseases, it helps cure certain ailments.
This is because of its role as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants are chemicals which protect the body from the attack of free radicals that prey on the bodily cells. Conversely, free radicals are chemicals which adversely affect the normal functioning of the body cells. It does this by altering the physiological structures of lipids, DNA and proteins. Thus, creating oxidative stress which triggers a lot of terminal diseases.
The presence of these radicals in blood stream is normal but it become abnormal and detrimental to our health when the concentration of the free radicals exceed that of the antioxidants concentration.
Constant intake of antioxidants is the only way to prevent the adverse effect of free radicals.
Alkaline water is one of the examples of antioxidants which play a very crucial role in repairing damaged cells, preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy living.
Alkaline water is the water which has been ionized with it pH level increased; thus, it has the ability to neutralize acid in the body.
The pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It ranges from 1 to 14.
A substance with a pH of 1 is more acidic while the one with a pH of 13 is more alkaline.
Having known these basis; we would look at the
enormous benefits we gain from drinking alkaline water.
The bodily fluid is highly acidic so it is neutralized by alkaline fluid of food. This is why regular intake of alkaline food is highly recommended.
Nutritionist, Anju Sood suggest intake of foods with 70% alkaline and 30% acid.
Health benefits of alkaline water
Boost of immune system
The neutralization of acid by alkaline reduces the occurrences of ailments caused by poor diet, stress and exercise.
It can be used to treat gastro-intestinal tract disorders, such as diarrhea, gastric hyperacidity and some reflux disease.
Slows down ageing process
Antioxidant role of alkaline water inhibit and reverse the effect of free radicals which break down the body cells. In turn slows the ageing process.
Reduces the occurrence of certain ailments
Regular intake of alkaline water not only normalizes the glucose level of the blood stream but also lowers the blood cholesterol level. Alkaline water improves the effective excretion of toxins from the body.
According to a study published in the
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine, drinking alkaline water may be beneficial for people who suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
It improves the metabolic functioning by suppressing the activities of free radicals. It equally protects the pancreatic cells from oxidative damages. Hence, good health is maintained.
It contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are important in maintaining healthy teeth and bone. It also improves the bone mineral density and muscle mass.
How to make Alkaline water at home
Alkaline water can be made from lemon.
I prefer the use of lemon or lime in making alkaline because it is naturally available. Other methods or sources of making alkaline water abound but I prefer this method.
Lemons are acidic in nature no doubt, but their alkalizing effect on the body when digested make them suitable for alkalizing water.
To make it;
1. Wash the fruit
2. Cut into two
3. Gently press to squeeze out the juice
4. Remove the seed and discard
5. Add 1 / 8 teaspoon of the lemon juice or lime juice to 240 ml glass of water.
Sources:
Rosa Mistica, C. Ignacio1, kyung-bok joo3
and kyu-jae Lee1 (2012), Clinical effect and mechanism of alkaline reduced water. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 20: (1).
Greatly enlightened. Good to know!
ReplyDeleteThank you
ReplyDeleteThis is great to know, thanks for sharing! I would probably use lime instead just because I'm not a fan of lemons!
ReplyDeleteChloe x