Ingredient Information

Function

Water is a chemical substance with the formula H2O. As a solvent, it dissolves sugars, salts, acids, and alkalis and varies in taste depending on what is mixed in it. Spring water and mineral water has a distinct taste due to its mineral content. Pure water is tasteless and odorless. Water is consumed as a beverage to hydrate the body, and is often flavored, ionized, or enhanced with electrolytes.

In food preparation, water is used to boil, simmer, and steam fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. It is used in agriculture to give moisture to growing plants.

Water is used in the food industry as a beverage, humectant, solvent, and cooking agent.

Other Use and Industries

Water is a universal solvent. It is used to clean and sanitize, and used to bathe the body. Water produces steam, which is used for power and heat.

Health Effects

Clear drinking water is essential to human survival. It is needed for the proper function of metabolic processes. All major components in cells are dissolved in water. Humans need approximately one to seven liters of water each day to avoid dehydration. It is difficult for someone in good health to drink too much water, but water intoxication sometimes occurs with excessive water intake after exercising. Water has a neutral PH. It is essential to avoid consumption of water that has been chlorinated or treated with many chemical substances.

Origins

Water is comprised of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. It is a liquid that can exist in solid (ice) and gaseous (vapor) form. Spring or filtered water has an absence of toxins and pollutants. The Earth is made up of 70% water, but much is unfit for human consumption. Fresh water than can be consumed most often comes from groundwater and freshwater, the source of which is lakes, watersheds, streams, and surface runoff from rocks.