Many families have a habit of boiling water and letting it cool down in a filter jug and storing it from day to day. Is this really a good habit? Does boiled water that has been left to cool down become stale?
Boiled water that has been left to cool down can indeed become stale, even though you may not be able to detect the staleness.
When water is boiled, any parasites or germs in it will die, but their remains will still be present in the water. According to food technology expert PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, if you let the water cool down and drink it within 1-2 days, it will be safe. However, if you leave it for longer, it can become contaminated with bacteria and potentially be dangerous.
“The remains of microorganisms in the water become a food source for bacteria from the environment,” says Thinh. Although it may be difficult to perceive, the water has become “stale” and should be thrown away. You can recognize stale water by the film at the bottom and sides of the jug.
Water taken from rivers, lakes, ponds, or wells that contain organic matter will decay more easily when boiled, leading to a higher likelihood of staleness. This water also cannot be stored for long, often lasting only a few hours to half a day.
On the other hand, treated tap water is relatively clean and can be stored for longer, typically around 24 hours.
Many families often boil water and let it cool down to store in glass or plastic jugs for daily consumption without realizing that if left for too long, it is not any safer than unboiled water.
Furthermore, pouring old water into fresh water inadvertently increases the number of bacteria in the water, creating conditions for mold growth. At this point, the water has become stale, with organic matter decomposed and inorganic matter settling at the bottom, providing an opportunity for bacterial contamination.
Therefore, boiled water that has been left to cool down should only be consumed within the day to avoid introducing bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal diseases, affecting digestion and overall health. Before adding fresh water to the jug, it is advisable to pour out all the old water and clean the jug to remove any bacteria from previously stale water.
To safely consume boiled water that has been left to cool down, it should be tightly covered to prevent contamination from the environment.
Benefits of Boiled Water that has been Left to Cool Down
Skincare
Drinking plenty of water is a way to detoxify and improve skin beauty. Drinking water helps the body excrete urine, eliminating toxins from the body, reducing the formation of skin pigmentation, and avoiding swelling.
Especially for those who stay up late, drinking a cup of boiled water that has been left to cool down in the early morning is very beneficial for skincare.
Promotes Body Recovery
When sick with a cold, sore throat, or cough, doctors always advise us to drink more water. In fact, there is a scientific reason for this, as drinking more water helps the body eliminate toxins, promotes the excretion of harmful substances, and reduces discomfort symptoms.
Enhances Immunity
When the body is dehydrated, various symptoms such as fever, chills, and more may occur. Providing sufficient water to the body not only helps eliminate toxins from the body but also enhances the immune system. The water in the human body has two main functions: one is to be part of cell structure, and the other is to participate in the body’s metabolic processes.
Reduces Fatigue
Many people have the habit of staying up late and then having to wake up early for work, which can often lead to headaches. The main cause of this symptom is dehydration or water loss due to excessive sweating. Drinking a glass of water can alleviate the headache and give you an energy boost.
Especially in the summer, hot weather can make us feel tired, sluggish, and fatigued. The cause is also dehydration, so drinking plenty of water helps relieve fatigue and discomfort.
Source: VTC.vn
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