Black water (drink)

Bottle and glass of black water

Black water is a type of bottled alkaline water containing fulvic acid (FvA) and other mineral or vitamin additives. The water is named for its dark and opaque appearance, owing to the addition of the FvA.[1] It has gained popularity as a health trend and status symbol.[2]

History

Pure fulvic acid powder

Fulvic acid has been used historically in ayurveda.[3] It is the active component in shilajit, which is traditionally consumed by people from Nepal and northern India.[4]

The concept of black water was first created by a Canadian family around 2008. The drink was concocted as a mix of fulvic acid with spring water to be taken as a health supplement.[5] It was brought to the mainstream market in 2011 after the formation of the company Blk.[6] The company grew through viral marketing by product placement on The Real Housewives,[7] and later using influencers to sell the product on platforms such as TikTok.[8]

In 2011, Blk was sued by Canadian firm Creative Thinkers over the trademark for "Blackwater". Creative Thinkers claimed they invented the process for creating black water in 2009.[7]

Health benefits

Black water companies market health benefits such as anti-aging, reducing blood sugar, and promoting gut health.[1] However, the health benefits of consuming FvA through black water are not well studied. While there are purported to be benefits to the immune system, intaking too much FvA may also be toxic.[6] In low doses, it is thought to be safe to consume.[9] Black water is reported to be tasteless, or only have a slight aftertaste.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b "What is black water, and why it is becoming increasingly popular these days". The Times of India. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Where to Find Viral Black Drinking Water in Hudson Valley". 101.5 WPDH. 8 August 2023. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  3. ^ Groth, Leah (13 August 2021). "What Is Fulvic Acid, and Should You Add It to Your Water?". Everyday Health. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  4. ^ Carrasco-Gallardo, Carlos; Guzmán, Leonardo; Maccioni, Ricardo B. (2012). "Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity". International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2012: 674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142. PMC 3296184. PMID 22482077.
  5. ^ Abma, Rebecca K. (9 August 2011). "Manzo-Laurita Family Strikes Black Gold With Blk". Wyckoff, NJ Patch. Archived from the original on 22 June 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  6. ^ a b Kane, Genevieve (31 May 2022). "Is Blk. Water Actually Good For You?". Health Digest. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  7. ^ a b Gardner, Eriq (16 December 2011). "'Real Housewives' Stars Dragged Into Lawsuit Over Bottled Water". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
  8. ^ Bacon, Jessica. "This 23-year-old VP turned to TikTok and her beverage company's sales increased by 800%. Here's how". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Shruti Haasan, Malaika Arora try black water: Health booster or marketing gimmick?". The Indian Express. 25 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  10. ^ Negley, Erin (10 February 2015). "Would you drink black water (or blk water)?". LancasterOnline. Archived from the original on 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
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