What is the Difference Between Mineral Water and Distilled Water?

The primary difference between mineral water and distilled water lies in their mineral content. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

• Mineral Content: Distilled water is virtually mineral-free, while mineral water contains varying levels of essential minerals.
• Taste: Distilled water can taste dull and flat, while mineral water offers a refreshing flavor due to the presence of minerals.
• Health Benefits: Mineral water provides essential minerals that contribute to a healthy human diet, whereas distilled water requires one to get the mineral content elsewhere.
• Purity: Distilled water is the purest water available, containing zero contaminants and zero minerals. It is a subset of purified water, which also undergoes an intense filtration process to ensure it is free of contaminants.

Mineral water, on the other hand, is spring water that has had more minerals added to it, containing 250 minerals per million solids. The distilling process used for distilled water can remove toxic metals and chemicals from the water, but it also removes healthy minerals. Drinking distilled water for an extended period can lead to mineral deficiencies. In contrast, mineral water provides additional nutritional benefits due to its mineral content.

Comparative Table: Mineral Water vs Distilled Water

The main differences between mineral water and distilled water are the method of purification and the presence of minerals. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Mineral water is typically purified through filtration or processing, which removes impurities like chemicals and bacteria while retaining beneficial minerals. Distilled water, on the other hand, is purified through distillation, a process that removes both contaminants and minerals, resulting in a very pure and nearly tasteless water.