As society evolves, humanity has become more health and fitness orientated.
We now know that the things we consume can have various effects on our health.
However, the age of the internet means that we are subject to health myths and misconceptions daily. It’s difficult to know what is true and what is false.
A common worry is whether it is safe to drink from metal water bottles. Reusable metal bottles are much better than plastic ones, as they are less damaging to the environment.
However, many people are unsure about if these bottles contain toxic metals or not. To put your mind at ease, we’ll cover whether it is safe to drink from aluminum bottles in this article.
You won’t need to choose between your health or the welfare of the planet!
Is It Dangerous To Drink From Aluminum Water Bottles?
There is much information about the dangers of consuming heavy metals, which has increased worries about drinking from metal bottles.
By itself, aluminum doesn’t have a high toxicity level, so it isn’t dangerous to drink from.
However, aluminum can react to certain liquids. Most aluminum bottles will come with a lining to prevent metal from reacting to the beverage. This lining can contain enamel, plastic, or resin.
If you buy an aluminum bottle, you should be aware of it is lined with BPA or not. BPA (Bisphenol-A) is used when producing food containers.
It makes plastic stronger and resistant to damage, but it has been known to cause serious health issues.
BPA copies the structure of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that maintains and develops female attributes within the body.
As BPA mimics estrogen’s shape, it can attach itself to estrogen receptors. This can have harmful effects on growth, cell repair, and energy levels.
If children are exposed to BPA, this can have adverse effects on their brain and prostate gland. Even fetuses can be affected if a pregnant person comes into contact with BPA.
Several studies have also linked larger BPA levels with a greater risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and both type 1 and 2 diabetes.
BPA can have harmful effects on your wellbeing, but aluminum is completely safe to eat, drink, and cook with. It’s found in air and water, but it’s also in most types of food imaginable.
If you’re still worried, when aluminum is consumed through either food or water, the body eliminates it as waste. For the most part, aluminum won’t harm your health.
Nevertheless, make sure that your bottle has a BPA-free lining to avoid aluminum reacting with your drink.
Aluminum Water Bottle Advantages
As long as your aluminum water bottle is BPA-free, several benefits come with drinking out of one.
Eco Friendly
Switching from plastic bottles to aluminum ones is a simple choice that can help the planet. Unlike other containers, aluminum is made from 3 times as much recycled materials.
Plastic can take up to 400 years to decompose fully, whereas aluminum breaks down quickly, creating more space in landfills.
Any emissions from manufacturing and transporting aluminum are up to 21% lower than plastic emissions, and up to 49% lower than emissions from glass bottles.
Aluminum takes less energy to produce, so switching to this metal can save a lot of energy and power.
Save Money
If you normally buy single-use bottles, purchasing a reusable bottle can save you a lot of money.
The majority of people can save a hundred dollars by making the switch.
A lot of juice bars and coffee shops give consumers discounts if they bring their own bottle with them, which can help you save even more.
Make Drinks Taste Better
Aluminum works well to keep both hot and cold drinks at their optimum temperature. In most cases, your drinks should stay at a nice temperature for several hours.
Strong
Bottles made from aluminum are strong and sturdy. Glass bottles can break when dropped and plastic ones may dent on accident.
Aluminum bottles can withstand these falls well, which can save you from clearing up any hazardous broken glass. Some of these bottles may resist shocks and scratches as well.
Secure
Aluminum water bottles tend to have seals inside the cap that prevents beverages from spilling. As a metal, aluminum is resistant to tearing and splits. You can be confident that your drink will stay inside your bottle.
Is It Dangerous To Drink From Stainless Steel Bottles
Stainless steel bottles are generally high in quality and safe to drink from. Stainless steel is non-reactive, so the chances of the metal reacting with your drink are extremely low.
Some prefer stainless steel over aluminum as these bottles don’t need a liner. Even if the bottle is damaged in some way, stainless steel will not emit any chemicals.
Furthermore, stainless steel can be cleaned at high temperatures, so there’s less risk of transferring bacteria.
Some of these bottles can even be placed in the dishwasher, saving you time when cleaning.
Stainless Steel vs Aluminum: What Bottles Are Best?
Stainless steel may be safer than both plastic and aluminum, but these bottles aren’t completely free from risk.
A few stainless steel water bottle companies have come under fire for selling parts containing lead.
Opting for water bottles made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel will ensure that you’re always drinking safe water.
18/8 refers to the number of metals used: 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This is one of the best stainless steel grades on the market. Chromium is strong, while nickel is anti-corrosive.
These materials will prevent your bottle from rusting over time.
When choosing a water bottle, you should also consider how much it weighs. Stainless steel bottles are normally heavier than aluminum.
This can be a good quality when hiking outdoors, but may not be if you’re carrying a bottle to and from work.
If you live a more casual lifestyle, aluminum bottles may be a better choice than stainless steel ones.
Stainless steel bottles are more durable than aluminum ones, but they both hold up well over time.
Stainless steel bottles tend to be more expensive, so if you’re looking for a decent simple bottle, you may prefer an aluminum one.
If price isn’t an issue and you want a very strong bottle, stainless steel should suit your needs better.
Lastly, aluminum bottles come in many colors and designs, which is great for those that care about appearance.
Stainless steel bottles tend to be plain, although you can find different metallic colors and ombre effects. If you want a no-frills bottle, stainless steel will be a better option for you.
In Summary
Both aluminum and stainless steel bottles are durable, strong, and secure. Opting for a reusable bottle will help the environment, regardless of what material you go for.
Your choice depends on a few factors, including lifestyle, appearance, and desired lifespan. If you want a simple bottle that lasts a long time, stainless steel is a nice choice.
Aluminum bottles are better if you want a lightweight option that looks good.
No matter what metal bottle you end up choosing, remember to stay away from BPA linings, as these can be hazardous to your health.
