For anyone seeking the purest water possible, the terms demineralized, deionized, and distilled water often come up. While these purification methods successfully remove impurities, they also strip water of vital minerals like calcium and magnesium, which has notable implications for a healthy diet and long-term nutrition.
The Technical Answer: Demineralized, Deionized, and Distilled
When we ask, "What do you call water without magnesium and calcium?", there is no single, simple name, but rather a few that describe the process by which these minerals are removed.
Demineralized Water
Demineralized water is purified water that has had its mineral ions removed. This is typically achieved through an ion-exchange process. A key distinction is that while the mineral ions are gone, some organic molecules, viruses, or bacteria may still be present.
Deionized Water
Often used interchangeably with demineralized water, deionized water also involves the removal of ions through an ion-exchange process using electrically charged resins. Like demineralized water, it's exceptionally pure from a mineral standpoint but may not be sterile.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is created by boiling water and then condensing the collected steam back into a liquid. This process is highly effective at removing almost all impurities, including minerals, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. This makes it an exceptionally pure form of water, though the process also gives it a characteristically "flat" or bland taste.
The Difference Between Purified Water Types and Soft Water
It's important to distinguish demineralized, deionized, and distilled water from softened water. While soft water also has low levels of calcium and magnesium, it's a result of a different process that substitutes these minerals with sodium or potassium, rather than removing them entirely.
| Demineralized Water | Distilled Water | Soft Water | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purification Method | Ion exchange | Boiling and condensation | Ion exchange (replaces Ca/Mg with Na/K) |
| Minerals Present | Virtually none (ions removed) | Virtually none (left behind in boiling) | Low levels of Ca/Mg; high levels of Na/K |
| Uses | Scientific labs, industrial processes | Medical, specific lab tests, appliances (irons, humidifiers) | Home use (laundry, dishwashing), drinking (taste may be affected) |
| Taste | Flat, insipid | Flat, bland | Slight sodium taste possible |
| Nutritional Impact | Lacks beneficial minerals like Ca and Mg | Lacks beneficial minerals like Ca and Mg | Provides some sodium/potassium, lacks Ca/Mg |
Nutritional Consequences of Mineral-Deficient Water
While water is not the primary source of minerals for most people, the long-term consumption of demineralized water can have significant nutritional impacts, especially if one's diet is already marginal in essential nutrients.
Affects Mineral and Electrolyte Balance
Ingesting low-mineral water can disrupt the body's mineral homeostasis. Because the body's internal fluids contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, drinking water with a much lower mineral concentration can prompt the body to excrete these electrolytes, potentially leading to an imbalance. Long-term effects can include tiredness, weakness, headaches, and in extreme cases, electrolyte imbalances. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted adverse effects from drinking low-mineral water, emphasizing the importance of mineral intake from both food and water.
Mineral Absorption from Food
Surprisingly, cooking with demineralized water can reduce the nutritional value of your food. Studies have shown that when vegetables are cooked in soft or demineralized water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can leach out of the food and into the water that is then discarded. In contrast, cooking with hard water results in much lower mineral loss and can even increase the calcium content in some foods.
Cardiovascular Health
Numerous epidemiological studies over several decades have explored the relationship between water hardness and cardiovascular health. Some research suggests that consuming water with low levels of magnesium and calcium may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while harder water appears to offer a protective effect. Magnesium, in particular, is considered a likely contributor to these benefits.
Other Health Considerations
Beyond cardiovascular health, the intake of water low in calcium has been associated with a higher risk of fracture in children and potential links to certain neurodegenerative diseases. The aggressive nature of demineralized water can also cause it to leach metals from plumbing, potentially increasing the intake of toxic elements like lead if it passes through old pipes.
Remineralizing Your Water for a Better Diet
To counter the nutritional shortcomings of mineral-free water, several methods can be used to reintroduce essential minerals. This is particularly relevant for those using reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which are very effective at purification but also remove beneficial minerals.
- Remineralization filters: The most convenient option is installing a remineralization cartridge as a final stage in your RO system. These filters contain mineral media (often calcite or corosex) that automatically dissolve into the water, adding back calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals.
- Mineral drops: Concentrated liquid mineral drops can be added to a glass or pitcher of purified water for a highly customizable approach. This method requires manual effort but offers precise control over dosage.
- Himalayan salt: A pinch of high-quality Himalayan salt can introduce a wide spectrum of trace minerals, but it must be used cautiously to avoid over-salting the water.
- Alkaline pitchers: Many alkaline water pitchers add minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium to increase pH and improve taste, though the mineral content can vary by brand.
- Dietary compensation: Ensure your diet is rich in mineral-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. For many, a balanced diet provides the vast majority of their daily mineral needs.
In conclusion, understanding what water is without magnesium and calcium is crucial for anyone focusing on their nutrition. While purified water methods like demineralization and distillation offer exceptional purity, they remove vital minerals that contribute to overall health. Choosing to remineralize this water or ensuring a balanced diet can help mitigate the potential health risks and provide a more palatable and nourishing drinking experience.
Conclusion
When contemplating what do you call water without magnesium and calcium?, the answer points to types of highly purified water, specifically demineralized, deionized, and distilled varieties. These processes, while effective at removing contaminants, also strip water of essential minerals, influencing taste and potentially impacting long-term health if not addressed through diet or remineralization. For optimal nutrition, a balanced approach that includes a variety of mineral sources from food and, if needed, reintroducing minerals to purified water is recommended. A mindful approach to water consumption is an important part of a holistic nutrition plan, ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
