Black water (drink) explained

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. It has gained popularity as a health trend and status symbol.[1]

History

Fulvic acid has been used historically in ayurveda.[2] It is the active component in shilajit, which is traditionally consumed by people from Nepal and northern India.[3]

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.[4] It was brought to the mainstream market in 2011 after the formation of the company Blk.[5] The company grew through viral marketing by product placement on The Real Housewives,[6] and later using influencers to sell the product on platforms such as TikTok.[7]

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.[6]

Health benefits

Black water companies market health benefits such as anti-aging, reducing blood sugar, and promoting gut health.[8] 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.[5] 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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Where to Find Viral Black Drinking Water in Hudson Valley . 101.5 WPDH . 2 December 2023 . en . 8 August 2023 . 2 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202204631/https://wpdh.com/where-to-find-viral-black-drinking-water-in-hudson-valley/ . live .
  2. Web site: Groth . Leah . What Is Fulvic Acid, and Should You Add It to Your Water? . Everyday Health . 27 November 2023 . 13 August 2021 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040904/https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-is-fulvic-acid-and-should-you-add-it-to-your-water/ . live .
  3. Carrasco-Gallardo . Carlos . Guzmán . Leonardo . Maccioni . Ricardo B. . Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity . International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease . 2012 . 2012 . 674142 . 10.1155/2012/674142 . 22482077 . 3296184 . free .
  4. News: Abma . Rebecca K. . Manzo-Laurita Family Strikes Black Gold With Blk. . 2 December 2023 . Wyckoff, NJ Patch . 9 August 2011 . en . 22 June 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240622052344/https://patch.com/new-jersey/wyckoff/manzo-laurita-family-strikes-black-gold-with-blk . live .
  5. Web site: Kane . Genevieve . Is Blk. Water Actually Good For You? . Health Digest . 27 November 2023 . 31 May 2022 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040904/https://www.healthdigest.com/880362/is-blk-water-actually-good-for-you/ . live .
  6. News: Gardner . Eriq . 'Real Housewives' Stars Dragged Into Lawsuit Over Bottled Water . 2 December 2023 . The Hollywood Reporter . 16 December 2011 . 2 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202204630/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/real-housewives-new-jersey-lawsuit-manzo-blackwater-274676/ . live .
  7. Web site: Bacon . Jessica . This 23-year-old VP turned to TikTok and her beverage company's sales increased by 800%. Here's how. . Business Insider . 27 November 2023 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040904/https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-boosts-company-sales-marketing-strategy-how-to-2022-1 . live .
  8. Web site: What is black water, and why it is becoming increasingly popular these days . The Times of India . 27 November 2023 . 30 October 2023 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040904/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-black-water-and-why-it-is-becoming-increasingly-popular-these-days/photostory/104800471.cms?picid=104800566 . live .
  9. Web site: Shruti Haasan, Malaika Arora try black water: Health booster or marketing gimmick? . The Indian Express . 27 November 2023 . en . 25 August 2021 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040904/https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/shruti-haasan-virat-kohli-malaika-arora-evocus-black-water-sports-drink-alkaline-benefits-7461092/ . live .
  10. Web site: Negley . Erin . Would you drink black water (or blk water)? . LancasterOnline . 27 November 2023 . en . 10 February 2015 . 27 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231127040905/https://lancasteronline.com/features/would-you-drink-black-water-or-blk-water/article_d62320d6-ae2a-11e4-92ba-37c8369ef81d.html . live .