All about the health fad named black water
The human body is made up of 70% water, we all know this. This elixir of life is essential for nearly every vital function. But today, we are not talking about regular water, but about the black alkaline water loved by Bollywood celebs and top cricketers. Yes! The black water fad is sweeping the industry thanks to celebrities like Malaika Arora, Karishma Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, and Virat Kohli, who have been spotted with a bottle of black coloured water at their gyms and at the airport!
This water with the weird hue of black is known as ‘black water’ or alkaline black water, and is rich in minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Priced far higher than a regular bottle of mineral water, it costs somewhere between INR 100-INR 200. This water has a higher pH than regular water, which ranges from eight to nine. The black water trend is getting popular in B-town due to its benefits like enhancing skin health, clearing acne, improving heart health, and digestive issues like acidity and indigestion. Its high alkalinity (high pH), and added vitamins and minerals, is what makes it so expensive. Evocus H20 is the first Indian start-up based in Vadodara that has been selling black alkaline water since 2019. So, what makes it so unique? Come let's find out.
The benefits of black water
Several studies in animals show that black water has anti-ageing properties. It increases the duration of life by slowing down the aging process. If you are diabetic, alkaline black water reduces your blood glucose levels. Sports persons love black water because it boosts their metabolism. It might also prevent osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to break easily, by preventing bone loss. In addition, it lowers the risk of heart disease due to the high content of fats in blood. Black water's alkaline pH aids in preventing acid reflux by lowering the activity of the acidity-producing enzymes. With so many health benefits, it’s no wonder that celebs love this drink!
The side effects of black water
Along with benefits, black water has some side effects too that should not be overlooked. The beverage's adverse effects include difficulty in balancing, nausea, vomiting, and pH changes (alkalosis) in the blood. Due to the effects of the high pH, you may feel stomach issues and dry, itchy skin as well. In addition, although black water has a higher pH than regular water, your body will continue to form hydrochloric acid to maintain pH levels in the stomach through a process called homeostasis. Homeostasis is body’s natural ability to maintain balance inside the body, to make up for external changes. This means that the effects of black water might not be permanent.
What does the research say about black water?
Many scientists are conducting research on effects of black water on health and observing both merits and demerits. Research conducted on human volunteers showed that drinking black water may aid in digestion and help avoid acidity. The bad part, however, is that drinking black water was also linked to changes in blood viscosity (thickness) in humans. So, what should you do? Since the studies on drinking black water on humans have shown both good and bad effects, it's best to get advice from a professional or elder before using it.