The water ionizers are home devices capable of ionising water to fight antioxidant properties and fight acidity. Tap water consists of a lot of dissolved minerals, carbonates and dissolved carbon dioxide. An ioniser uses electrolysis to separate the carbonate from the alkaline minerals and divert them away through a separate filter channel. The main purpose of a water ioniser is to separate the relevant alkaline minerals like magnesium or calcium, as they fight acidity and antioxidant properties. Ionisers are connected to a tap water supply or home water system, with separate channels for alkaline water and acidic water. Acidic water usually consists of chlorine, fluoride and sulfur in small quantities.
How Water Ionisers Work:
Every water ioniser uses a two-step process for it to function. The first one involves filtration, whereas the second process is electrolysis. An inlet port brings in tap water, and two outlets separate alkaline water and acidic water, respectively, with alkaline water being used for drinking purposes.
Filtration: The first step in water ionisation involves the filtration process that removes pollutants, chlorine, odour and other particulates before drinking.
Electrolysis: The filtered water flows into the electrolysis chamber, where there are two electrodes. The electrodes are usually titanium with a platinum covered exterior that ionises water, separating the positive and negative ions. The positive ions accumulate around the negative electrode become alkaline water, whereas the negative ions are attracted towards the positive electrode, forming the acidic water. Alkaline water is used for drinking purposes and consists of beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. On the other hand, acid is channelled through a different tube and later collected for external cleaning purposes. Thus, acidic water is saved for later uses and is never used for drinking. Take a look at how the ionisation process separates the ions present in the tap water:
- The electrolysis process in the electrolytic chamber separates water molecules into a negative hydroxyl ion and a positive hydrogen ion.
- The alkaline water comprises these negatively charged hydroxyl ions that act as a powerful antioxidant agent. These antioxidants attach the free radicals in the body, neutralising the damage caused by oxidation.
- Simultaneously flowing through a separate stream, acidic water consists of many positively charged hydrogen ions. Acting as a powerful oxidant, acidic water can disinfect pathogens and kill bacteria on contact.
Advantages Of Alkaline Water:
- The calcium and magnesium ions are highly unstable and would react with the closest hydroxyl ions to form mineral hydrates. The negative oxidation potential of alkaline water can neutralise the oxidative capacity of free radicals in the human body. Since oxidative substances promote ageing and damage the cells, alkaline water neutralises these by acting as antioxidants.
- Alkaline water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium and removes harmful minerals like chlorine and fluoride. As a result, water is safe for drinking and doesn’t contain harmful substances that may cause problems in the long run.
- Alkaline water has been theorised to aid in colon cleansing and weight loss. Some even claim various cancer-resistant properties, but these claims were never properly substantiated.
Alkaline water is better than direct tap water due to such benefits as tap water cannot neutralise acidity, have an antioxidative potential or is sweet to the taste. In addition, most of the time, tap water is filled with particulates and may have odour emanating from it. All the more reason why Australians should prefer water ionisers in their houses!