Is Essentia Water Good For You? Why The Hype?

Ionized Alkaline water continues to grow in popularity as people are eager to find a way to make water even healthier. Essentia water is a front-runner of this craze.

As far as drinking alkaline water goes, Essentia water is considered a luxury bottled water brand. But, with a hefty price tag, is Essentia water actually good for you? Or, rather, is it good enough to live up to the hype? We’ll dive into how it’s made, and if the purported health benefits actually hold up.

What is Essentia Water?

Essentia is a popular brand of ionized alkaline water.

Water typically has a pH of around 7, which means it is neutral. A lower pH means something is acidic, whereas a higher pH level is alkaline. So, ionized alkaline water is regular water that has been put through a process to change the pH.

Essentia water has a pH of 9.5. For reference, the pH scale goes up to 12, so this is fairly alkaline.

How Is Essentia Water Made?

Essentia water is made with a three-step process.

Essentia purifies its water first. This is done by a process of microfiltration and reverse osmosis.

Then it is infused with trace amounts of electrolytes. These are a compound containing ions that play a key role in achieving better hydration.

Then the water is ionized, which is believed to remove acidic ions. This is said to leave the water tasting better.

Is Essentia Water Real Water?

Essentia water is real water; it just has a different pH level. It can still provide adequate hydration, just like regular tap water.

What’s the difference between Essentia water and other ionized alkaline water?

Essentia water has a pH of 9.5. They also purify their water too and add electrolytes.

On average, alkaline water has a pH or around 8 or 9, so Essentia water is more basic than some of its competitors. For example, Glaice Alkaline Ionized Water has a pH of 8+, and ActiPH Water has a pH of 9+.

With that said, Essentia is not alone with having a pH of 9.5. Agua de monchique and Water Sister have a pH of 9.5 too. Qure Alkaline Water even has an alkaline level of 10.

Homemade alkaline water using a pitcher will average around 8 or 9 on the pH scale.

Essentia maintains that the key difference between them and their competitors is that they remove bitter-tasting acidic ions from the water. Other brands create their water by adding minerals, but they do so with their proprietary ionization process. Essentia not only raises the pH but also is said to eliminate unsavory acidic elements from the drink.

Is Essentia water good for you?

The first thing to note is that Essentia purifies its water. By default, bottled water should go through some sort of purification process regardless. This will remove unwanted particles such as metals, bacteria, parasites, and even pollutants. So, off the bat, purified water is healthier and safer than unclean water. It is also meant to taste better, cleaner, and crisper, without any strange aftertastes.

Essentia water could be more hydrating than plain water.

If you’re drinking a lot of water but wondering how you’re still thirsty or even dehydrated, it could be due to low electrolytes. These help to regulate fluid levels in the body. Without enough electrolytes, the water you’re drinking might not actually be absorbed properly and used by the body. Electrolytes are typically lost in sweat. So, drinking a bottle of water containing electrolytes will help you stay hydrated for longer.

One study published found that Essentia water was much more rehydrating than bottled water with a regular pH. However, it should be noted that this study was actually funded by Essentia themselves.

Basic fluids can also act as a buffer for athletes or people into fitness. A buffer is something to prevent the build-up of lactic acid, and thus ward off cramps and fatigue. However, generally, people will infuse sodium bicarbonate or baking soda with their water instead of getting this water from grocery stores during a tough workout.

Is drinking alkaline water healthier than regular bottled water? What are the purported health benefits?

Fans of ionized water and alkaline water swear that it has anti-aging properties, boosts weight loss, prevents bone loss, boosts the immune system, and even prevents cancer. The reality is, there’s just not a whole lot of science to back it all up.

A closer look at purported benefits of alkaline water:

1. Eases Acid Reflux

One study did note that alkaline water helped with acid reflux. This was because it helped to deactivate an enzyme behind this condition. If you have acid reflux, speak to your doctor before trying alkaline water. If you don’t experience acid reflux, there is no need to try to alter the acidity of your stomach or your body’s pH level in general.

2. Boosts The Immune System

The acidity of our stomach is actually integral to the immune system, so it can kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. Plus, most healthy adults cannot change the pH of their body, blood, or stomach acid through their diet – nor do they need to. There is no research to suggest alkaline water helps strengthen the immune response.

3. Has Anti-Aging Properties

If alkaline water contains minerals then it could be a source of free radicals. These help to prevent premature aging and even lower the risk of certain illnesses. However, the amount of antioxidants realistically in water is negligible. Eating whole food like fresh fruit and vegetables of a better option. Some of the anecdotal skincare benefits of Essentia water or a glass of alkaline water, in general, could just be because water is essential for maintaining skin health.

4. Boost Weight Loss

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that ionized alkaline water can lead to more weight loss. Research suggests that those who drink more water tend to weigh less than those who don’t. So, water is beneficial, but not Essentia in particular.

5. Maintains Bone Health

There is no evidence to suggest that alkaline water can slow bone loss either. Not only is there no solid evidence to support this, but even the Royal Osteoporosis Society cautions against alkaline diets as they can result in nutritional deficiencies – which can have a negative effect on bone health.

6. Fights Cancer

While antioxidants have been associated with a lower risk of developing certain cancers, the amount in Essentia water is not likely to be substantial. However, this is not where the claims about this kind of water and cancer come from.

While research suggests that cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment, this principle does not actually play out the way you might think in the body. The area surrounding a tumor may be acidic, but it does not make the whole body more acidic. Plus, we cannot alter the pH of the human body through diet. The alkaline water is not actually going to remain alkaline as it goes through the digestive system; the stomach acidic will neutralize it first. So, it is not going to have any impact on the pH of the bloodstream or cancer treatment.

Can you drink Essentia Water every day?

Generally, it does not seem to be unsafe to drink Essentia water every day. Given that it tastes good, it could help people who struggle to drink water stay hydrated.

However, people who have chronic kidney disease or are on medication for these kinds of conditions should avoid alkaline water, including Essentia water – unless they get a medical professional’s blessing.

What is wrong with Essentia Water?

There is nothing “wrong” with Essentia water. If you don’t have any kidney issues, there should not be any negative effects to drinking it. However, alkaline water is not some miracle cure for any ailments. Keep in mind that some people notice their skin can get dry or their stomach is upset after drinking alkaline water. If that’s the case, you won’t be missing out on any substantial benefits by drinking water with a neutral pH.

What is the healthiest water to drink?

Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with plain regular water.

But, if you want something extra or want to try some other water, lemon water is worth a try. Lemon and limes contain electrolytes, so they will be hydrating as a drink. Lemon can make water more palatable for those who struggle to drink plain water. Plus, it’s an easy way to incorporate some extra vitamin C.

Maple water is another healthy option. Not only is it more hydrating than other bottled waters, but it’s low in calories and is even anti-inflammatory.

So, does Essentia live up to its hype?

There are some benefits to Essenita water. It could be a better source of hydration than regular bottled water or tap water – plus, it tastes good. However, any major health claims about alkaline ionized water are yet to be substantiated. Ultimately it is your choice how you stay hydrated, if drinking alkaline water makes you excited to drink more water, that is a really good thing!