What is vapor distilled water?
Vapor distilled water is a highly purified form of water created through a process that mimics the Earth's natural hydrologic cycle. During distillation, water is heated to boiling, causing it to evaporate into steam. This steam rises, leaving behind a vast majority of impurities, including inorganic minerals, heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria. The steam is then captured and cooled, condensing back into a liquid state. This results in water that is exceptionally pure but also devoid of the minerals and electrolytes naturally found in other water sources.
The distillation process explained
- Boiling: Water is heated to its boiling point, turning it into steam.
- Evaporation: As the water becomes steam, impurities and dissolved solids are left behind.
- Condensation: The steam is collected and cooled, reverting it to its liquid state.
- Collection: The now-purified liquid water is collected, free from the contaminants left behind in the boiling vessel.
The potential benefits of vapor distilled water
Its high purity is the primary advantage of vapor distilled water. This makes it a preferred choice for specific applications, including medical equipment, laboratory testing, and use in small appliances like humidifiers and CPAP machines, where mineral buildup is undesirable.
- Free from contaminants: The distillation process is highly effective at removing heavy metals, chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, and other potentially harmful substances.
- Clean, neutral taste: With minerals removed, some people find the taste of distilled water to be clean and pure, without any aftertaste.
- Supports detoxification: Due to its purity, some proponents suggest it can help flush out toxins from the body without introducing new contaminants.
The risks and drawbacks of drinking vapor distilled water
While the purity is a benefit for some applications, it is also the main reason for caution when considering vapor water as your sole long-term drinking source. The very process that removes contaminants also removes essential minerals.
- Lacks essential minerals: Naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium are stripped away during distillation. These minerals play vital roles in bodily functions, and relying solely on distilled water can lead to deficiencies if not supplemented through a balanced diet.
- Electrolyte imbalance: The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that drinking demineralized water can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Since the body is an expert at maintaining equilibrium, it may start to leach electrolytes from your tissues to compensate.
- Flat taste: Some people find the lack of minerals gives distilled water a flat or bland taste, which could potentially discourage adequate water consumption.
- Leaching from containers: Because demineralized water is molecularly unstable, it can be highly aggressive and leach unwanted compounds from the plastics or other materials of storage containers.
Inhaling vapor water: benefits and risks
In addition to drinking, some people use vapor water for inhalation therapy. This method also has benefits and significant risks.
Benefits of steam inhalation
Inhaling warm, moist air can help with temporary respiratory issues.
- Relieves congestion: It helps loosen mucus in the lungs and sinuses, making it easier to breathe when experiencing a cold or sinus infection.
- Soothes throat and nasal passages: The moisture can rehydrate dry, irritated nasal passages and ease a sore throat.
Risks of steam inhalation
Healthcare professionals are increasingly cautioning against traditional steam inhalation methods due to the risk of serious injury.
- Severe burns: The most significant danger is accidentally spilling boiling water, leading to severe scald burns, especially in children.
- Lung damage: Inhaling actual, superheated gaseous steam can cause severe, permanent damage to the delicate lung tissues and alveoli.
- Ineffective for killing viruses: Contrary to popular belief, extensive reviews have found no reliable evidence that steam inhalation kills cold-causing viruses.
Comparison: Vapor Distilled Water vs. Tap Water
Here is a side-by-side comparison of vapor distilled water and standard tap water, highlighting their key differences for consumption.
| Feature | Vapor Distilled Water | Tap Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Extremely high; virtually all contaminants and dissolved solids removed. | Varies by location; regulated by municipalities but may contain trace contaminants and treatment chemicals like chlorine. |
| Mineral Content | Virtually zero; all naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium are removed. | Contains a variety of naturally occurring minerals; content varies regionally. |
| Taste | Often described as bland or flat due to the absence of minerals. | Taste is influenced by mineral content and treatment chemicals; generally preferred by most people. |
| Best For | Use in small appliances, medical equipment, and laboratories where mineral deposits are an issue. | Daily drinking and general consumption, providing hydration and trace minerals. |
| Considerations | Potential for long-term mineral deficiencies if consumed exclusively without dietary supplements. | Safety depends on the local water quality; water testing may be advisable in some areas. |
What about vapor distilled water with added electrolytes?
To address the lack of minerals and bland taste, many companies now produce vapor distilled water that is later enhanced with electrolytes. This combines the purity of distillation with the benefits of minerals. Brands like Smartwater use this process to create a clean-tasting and mineral-balanced product. This offers a middle ground for consumers who prioritize purity but also require the electrolytes necessary for proper hydration, especially for active individuals.
Conclusion: Is vapor water good for you?
The question of whether vapor water is good for you has no single answer, as it depends on the form and application. As a drinking water source, plain vapor distilled water is exceptionally pure but lacks essential minerals. While safe for occasional consumption, long-term reliance requires a well-balanced diet to prevent mineral deficiencies. For specific purposes like use in small appliances, its purity is a clear advantage. However, modern products like vapor distilled water with added electrolytes offer a solution that balances purity with nutritional needs.
When considering steam inhalation, the temporary relief from congestion must be weighed against the significant risk of severe burns, making it a practice many health professionals no longer recommend. For daily hydration, standard tap water or mineral-enhanced vapor distilled options are generally more appropriate for maintaining overall health. A truly holistic hydration strategy involves understanding the source and treatment of your water, and ensuring your diet provides the necessary minerals your body needs to thrive. For more information, the World Health Organization has published a report on the health risks associated with demineralized water.
