Water is essential for life and for our health and wellbeing. But let's face it: sometimes the water that comes out of our taps may contain harmful contaminants and may not be safe to drink, or it just doesn't smell or taste very appealing, leading us to opt for bottled water instead. But while bottled water may taste better, it often contains contaminants such as microplastics, and is not necessarily any better for us than tap water. Not to mention its impact on the environment. 

Filtered water offers an alternative solution for providing great tasting contaminant-free water without generating mountains of plastic bottles that end up on landfills, waterways, and beaches across the world. But is drinking filtered water really that much better for you?

Drinking filtered water can have several potential benefits compared to unfiltered water, depending on the source and quality of the water. There are several reasons why opting for filtered water is better for you and the planet. So, should you drink filtered water instead of tap or bottled? Let's find out.

From this article you'll learn about:

• Health benefits of drinking filtered water
• Mental health benefits of drinking filtered water
• Environmental benefits of drinking filtered water

Health Benefits of Drinking Filtered Water

One of the key benefits of drinking filtered water are the beneficial effect it has on our physical health. The physical health benefits of filtered water include:

Removal of contaminants

Good quality water filtration systems such as the Berkey can effectively remove various contaminants from water, including chlorine, lead, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances.

Consuming water free of these contaminants can reduce the risk of illnesses and health issues associated with their ingestion, such as gastrointestinal problems, lead poisoning, and waterborne diseases.

Reduced exposure to toxins

Some areas have water supplies contaminated with toxins such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) and industrial pollutants (e.g., PCBs, pesticides). Filtering water can help remove or reduce these toxins, which may otherwise accumulate in the body over time and contribute to chronic health conditions such as organ damage, neurological disorders, and cancer, reducing the risk of long-term health issues associated with their ingestion.

Improved hydration 

Filtered water often tastes better and lacks unpleasant odors, making it more appealing to drink. As a result, you may be more likely to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day, leading to better hydration. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining bodily functions, regulating body temperature, supporting metabolism, and promoting overall health and well-being.

Supports good digestive health

Drinking filtered water free of contaminants and impurities may be gentler on the digestive system compared to water containing pollutants or microbes. This can help prevent gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea that may result from consuming contaminated water.

Staying hydrated with clean, filtered water can contribute to overall wellness and vitality. Proper hydration supports various bodily functions, including circulation, nutrient absorption, toxin elimination, and the lubrication of joints. By ensuring that your body receives clean and pure water, you support its ability to function optimally and maintain good health.

Mental Health Benefits Associated With Drinking Filtered Water

While the primary focus of drinking filtered water is often on its physical health benefits, it can also indirectly contribute to our mental well-being in several ways:

Stress-free water consumption

Consuming water free of contaminants can alleviate concerns about potential health risks associated with ingesting pollutants and toxins. This peace of mind may contribute to lower stress levels and a sense of security regarding one's health.

Improved cognitive function

Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function. Drinking filtered water helps ensure that your brain receives the hydration it needs to maintain cognitive abilities such as concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Dehydration, even in mild forms, can impair cognitive function and mood.

Enhanced mood

Staying hydrated is closely linked to mood regulation. Dehydration can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and low-energy levels, which can negatively impact mood. By providing clean and refreshing hydration, filtered water can help support a more positive and balanced mood.

Encouragement of healthy habits

Making the choice to drink filtered water reflects a commitment to health-conscious behavior. Engaging in such habits, even small ones like choosing filtered water over sugary beverages or unfiltered tap water, can foster a sense of self-care and empowerment. This can contribute to overall feelings of well-being and satisfaction with one's lifestyle choices.

While the mental health benefits of drinking filtered water are primarily indirect, they highlight the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. By prioritizing clean hydration, individuals can support both their physical health and their overall mental wellness.

Environmental Benefits of Drinking Filtered Water

Besides the physical and mental health benefits of drinking filtered water, consuming filtered water can offer several environmental benefits compared to other sources of water.

Reduced plastic waste

Choosing filtered water over bottled water can significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles. Plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution, particularly in oceans and waterways, where they can harm marine life and ecosystems. By using a reusable water bottle and filling it with filtered tap water, individuals can help minimize plastic waste and lower their carbon footprint.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

The production, transportation, and disposal of plastic bottles generate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. By reducing the demand for bottled water and associated packaging, individuals can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

Conservation of resources

Producing and transporting bottled water requires significant amounts of water and energy. By using a home filtration system or drinking filtered tap water, individuals can conserve resources by avoiding the energy-intensive processes involved in bottling, packaging, and transporting bottled water. This conservation of resources contributes to overall environmental sustainability.

Protection of water sources

Filtering tap water at home encourages reliance on municipal water supplies rather than depleting natural water sources such as springs or aquifers for bottled water production. Conserving natural water sources helps maintain ecosystem balance and ensures the availability of clean water for communities and wildlife.

Promotion of sustainable practices

Choosing filtered water reflects a commitment to sustainable living and responsible consumption. By adopting eco-friendly habits such as using a water filtration system and minimizing reliance on single-use plastics, individuals can contribute to broader efforts to promote environmental sustainability and address pressing issues such as plastic pollution and resource depletion.

Why is filtered water better for you

Drinking filtered water aligns with principles of environmental conservation and sustainability by reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, protecting water sources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. These environmental benefits demonstrate the positive impact that individual choices regarding water consumption can have on the health of our planet.

As we can see, drinking filtered water supports individual health and well-being and contributes to environmental sustainability and planetary health. While there are many different kinds of filtration systems available on the market, it's important to choose a good quality filter that is capable of removing a wide range of drinking water contaminants commonly found in tap water. The Berkey water filters, which are capable of removing over 200 common drinking water contaminants, are a great choice for filtering water for drinking purposes.

FAQ

What is filtered water? 

Filtered water is water from any source that has been filtered through a drinking water filtration system to remove potential contaminants that may be present in the water.

Is filtered water good for you?

Yes, filtered water is good for you as it contains reduced levels of pathogens, toxins, and other harmful contaminants compared to unfiltered water. When filtered with a Berkey filtration system, beneficial minerals are retained, ensuring minerals essential for our health and wellbeing are still present.

Are there benefits of drinking filtered water?

Drinking filtered water offers benefits to both physical and mental health, as well as environmental health. It is also

Should I drink filtered water?

Yes, filtered water is recommended for optimal health and wellbeing. It's important to note that filtered water is not only beneficial for human health, but can also promote pet and plant health. It is also a sustainable, eco-friendly choice.