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What Is Mineral Water: Benefits of Minerals in Water

Mineral water is water that originates from a mineral spring, and which contains a variety of minerals or gasses. Minerals in water are solid substances that naturally occur in the water as groundwater erodes through the aquifer. The minerals in water include magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc.

Minerals are necessary for the proper functioning of the human body, improving energy levels, bone density, blood circulation, and many more. It allows the body to heal faster and improves the digestive system. The human body does not naturally produce these minerals, which is why people need to take them from food and water.

Mineral water side effects are rare, but in some circumstances, mineral water may lead to burping, hiccups, and higher acidic content within the stomach. Mineral water may also affect teeth enamel if consumed in larger amounts.

There is no daily recommended amount of mineral water. By drinking two liters of mineral water per day, people may get around 20-30% of their recommended minerals from the water. In most circumstances, the number of minerals will depend on the source of the mineral water.

Using the right filtration system will protect the mineral profile of the water. Sediment water filters are the most recommended choice in terms of preserving the minerals in the water. Other filters such as ultrafiltration systems may also protect minerals, but sediment water filters will allow most of them to pass.

Bottled water is typically a better choice than tap water when it comes to getting minerals from mineral water. Depending on the brand, bottled water has 3-5 times more minerals as compared to tap water. This percentage will depend on the source of the tap water along with the type of filter used for the household.

What Are the Minerals in Water?

importance of minerals in drinking water Minerals in water are chemical compounds or elements that are usually crystalline and are often the result of a natural geological process. They are good for human health, as they help preserve the natural functioning of the body.

Minerals in water are listed below:

  • Calcium: Good for the bones and teeth. Calcium helps the muscles relax and the nerves function properly. Calcium prevents blood clotting and aids blood pressure regulation.
  • Magnesium: Magnesium is located in the bones and is good for the immune system. Magnesium is necessary for creating protein, aiding muscle contraction, and improving nerve transmission.
  • Potassium: Potassium benefits the fluid balance in the system. Potassium aids nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and digestion.
  • Sodium: Sodium benefits the body’s fluid balance and retention. Sodium aids muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
  • Iron: Iron benefits energy metabolism. Iron helps the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • Zinc: Zinc benefits the immune system. Zinc’s purpose is to create protein and genetic material within the body.

What Are the Benefits of Mineral Water?

Drinking mineral water may have the following benefits:

  • Mineral water is a source of magnesium
  • Mineral water regulates blood pressure
  • Mineral water improves bone density
  • Mineral water benefits the digestive system
  • Mineral water increases blood circulation

Minerals aid a variety of organs in the body and ensure their proper functioning. They are nutrients that can benefit the well-being of the heart, digestive system, and all the other organs within the human body.

1. Source of Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral within the human body, supporting more than 300 enzyme reactions. Magnesium’s main purpose is to help with nerve functions and improve muscle efficiency, but it also has an important role in supporting the immune system and regulating blood pressure.

The recommended daily intake of magnesium for the average adult is 310-420 mg per day, depending on whether they are male or female. For correct biological functioning, males need a higher magnesium intake per day. A magnesium deficiency may result in symptoms such as weakness or fatigue, appetite loss, or nausea.

How Does Mineral Water Meet the Daily Magnesium Intake?

Mineral water has around 50 mg of magnesium per liter. This means that if a woman drinks 2 liters of bottled mineral water per day, or drinks straight from a spring, they would get one-third of their magnesium intake from mineral water. This is a higher amount compared to tap water, which only contains 10mg per liter.

How Does Mineral Water Protect from Lack of Magnesium?

Mineral water is high in magnesium and mixed with a nutritious diet, it may help individuals meet their daily recommended intake of magnesium. Tap water has only an average of 10 mg of magnesium per liter, which means mineral water has 5 times the amount of tap water. This can help people prevent magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency may lead to fatigue, muscle spasms, stiffness, nausea, or lack of appetite.

2. Regulating the Blood Pressure

Healthy blood pressure is important for the body. High blood pressure puts people at risk for heart disease. If daily consumption of the necessary nutrients is not met, it puts the individual at risk of chronic inflammation, aging, and obesity.

How Does Mineral Water Help Regulate Blood Pressure?

Mineral water helps regulate blood pressure as it is rich in magnesium. Low levels of magnesium lead to high blood pressure, and healthy magnesium intake lowers and regulates that amount. Mineral water is also rich in calcium, which further aids in regulating blood pressure. Studies show that drinking at least one liter of mineral water per day lowers the chances of high blood pressure.

How Does Mineral Water Protect From Obesity?

Mineral water protects from obesity as it is high in magnesium, which helps energize the body. It also cleanses potential toxins from the body. Regular consumption of mineral water increases urination frequency, which reduces water retention. Mineral water also helps the body shed off recent fat. This protects people from obesity while helping people lose extra weight.

3. Bone Density

Strong bones are important for people to conduct their daily activities and prevent chances of injury. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc help support the bone structure. The average adult should consume around 1000 mg of calcium, 400 mg of magnesium, and 10 mg of zinc per day. A deficit of these minerals can lead to a decrease in bone density, but also heart disease, and increased chances of a stroke.

How Does Mineral Water Help Bone Strength?

Mineral water helps bone strength because it is rich in calcium and magnesium while featuring a fair amount of zinc. This will help improve bone density, and as a result, its strength.

How Does Mineral Water Protect from Stroke?

Magnesium in mineral water can help prevent blood clots, regulate blood pressure, and strengthen the muscles around the bone. Water alone can help prevent strokes by improving blood pressure, but the extra amount of magnesium further reduces clotting. This will minimize the risk of having a stroke.

4. Improving the Digestive System

People with frequent digestive problems such as constipation or indigestion can benefit from drinking mineral water, due to its high intake of magnesium. It balances the consistency of the stool, improving bowel movement.

How Does Mineral Water Help the Digestive System?

Mineral water is high in magnesium, which draws water towards the intestines and improves bowel movement and stool consistency. It also relaxes the muscles within the colon, which will further support bowel movement and prevent constipation.

How Does Mineral Water Help for Clearer Skin?

Mineral water nourishes and hydrates the skin, tightening it and giving it a healthier glow. The electrolytes and minerals within the water will nourish the skin and prevent acne breakouts. Regular consumption of mineral water is necessary for this to apply.

5. Increasing the Blood Circulation

Mineral water contains high amounts of magnesium, calcium, and potassium. This benefits blood circulation. By increasing blood circulation, mineral water regulates the heart rate and improves the cardiovascular system. Mineral water also improves healing speed in case of wounds.

How Does Mineral Water Help Blood Circulation?

The healthy amounts of magnesium, calcium, and potassium within the water promote healthy blood circulation. By lowering the blood pressure within the body through these minerals, blood circulation is further improved.

How Does Mineral Water Help Heal Wounds Faster?

By increasing the blood circulation within the body, mineral water also removes toxins from the body faster and reduces the chances of infection. The minerals will help regenerate the tissue, allowing your wounds to regenerate at a much faster rate.

What Are the Possible Side-Effects of Mineral Water?

Mineral water is usually safe for drinking. On rare occasions, certain side effects may occur. The possible side-effects of mineral water are:

  1. Hiccups and Bloating – Carbonated mineral water usually has a higher amount of carbonic acid. This may lead to bloating and hiccups.
  2. Toxin Ingestion – Bottled mineral water that comes in a plastic bottle may contain a certain number of contaminants. This may lead to a variety of health issues.
  3. Teeth Problems – Mineral water may be slightly acidic. Consuming only mineral water in the long term may reduce the enamel hardness of the teeth.

In many circumstances, these issues may be lowered by using a water filter. A water filter will capture potential contaminants, leaving only healthy minerals behind.

What Are the Facts About Mineral Water?

Mineral water offers minerals that humans cannot produce by themselves within the body. Around 15% of the population[1] prefers to drink bottled water, as it is high in minerals. Carbonated mineral water is also a common preference.

  • Bottled water usually includes five times more minerals compared to tap water
  • Water quality may change from country to country. This is influenced by soil quality and seasonal changes
  • Switzerland is the country believed to have the highest quality mineral water on the globe
  • 98% of the mineral water in the U.S. is safe for drinking. This often depends on the state.
  • Florida is rated to have the highest quality mineral water in the United States.
  • Mineral water sold in glass bottles is less likely to be contaminated.
  • Bottled mineral water has a higher concentration of carbon dioxide compared to spring mineral water. This is added by the brand for extra fizz.
  • Sparkling mineral water has a pH level between 5.3 and 6, whereas sparkling mineral water is between 7.1 and 7.5
  • Sparkling mineral water is considered acidic and regular bottled mineral water is alkaline

Does Bottled Water Include More Mineral Than Tapped Water?

Mineral water typically has 3 to 5 times more minerals as compared to tap water. It depends mostly on the region and the filters used to purify the water. Some brands may also pass their water through a mineral bed to increase the number of minerals.

Does the Mineral Water Quality Change Base on the Country?

Typically, mineral water quality may vary based on the country. A variety of aspects may affect the quality of the water, such as the soil type, the seasonal changes, the rocks, and the surface over which it moves. Switzerland is believed to have the highest-quality water, followed by Norway and Switzerland.

How Is Mineral Water Quality in the USA?

The USA mineral water quality is typically safe, but it also depends on the region. Around 92% of the mineral water in the United States is safe to drink. Hawaii is rated as one of the states that have the highest quality of water, followed closely by Virginia, North Dakota, and Florida. According to GDWQ, mineral water in the United States does not have an average lower quality compared to Europe.

Why Is Mineral Water Sold in Glass?

Mineral water is sold in glass because the minerals in the water may react with plastic. This will affect the taste of the water and possibly contaminate the water. Glass containers will keep the mineral water pure and fresh, without the risk of contamination from chemicals in plastic bottles.

Environmental concerns are also a reason. Glass bottles may be washed, sterilized, reused, or recycled without the concern of bacteria. Plastic leaves a more significant carbon footprint on the earth. This is why glass bottles are used more often, as they leave a much smaller carbon footprint on the environment.

Is Mineral Water Alkaline?

Yes, depending on the amount, mineral water may go between neutral and slightly alkaline water. Mineral water has a higher concentration of minerals as compared to regular water, along with a concentration of carbon dioxide.

Some manufacturers will state the pH level of the water, which will determine the water’s acidity. Water with pH levels over 7 is considered alkaline, whereas below 7 is considered acidic. Depending on the brand, sparkling mineral water may have a pH level between 5.3 and 5, whereas regular mineral water is between 7.1 and 7.5. This can make some mineral water slightly alkaline.

How to Tell Whether Mineral Water Is Good for You or Not?

Mineral water is often good for the organism, as it contains a high amount of natural minerals. If a person has a deficit of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium, mineral water can be a good option to replenish the deficit. There are also some instances in which mineral water may not be recommended.

Mineral water has a low pH level, making it highly acidic. Studies show[2] that if a person has a disease that causes weak teeth, mineral water may reduce the enamel hardness of their teeth. If a person has gastric issues involving bloating and hiccups, the carbonic acid present in mineral water may affect them.

Is Mineral Water Carbonated?

Yes, mineral water is usually carbonated. The level will depend on whether you find the mineral water in a stream or buy it from a store. Water from wells and springs has naturally occurring minerals that may give natural carbonation to the water.

In this case, the carbonation level is low. Bottled mineral water often includes carbon dioxide so that it has the bubbly carbonated effect. This may affect people that have sensible or weak teeth.

What Is the History of Mineral Water?

mineral water and its historyMineral water in its natural form has a long history. Mineral water springs have been around since the beginning, the Celts and the Ancient Romans being among the first to discover mineral water’s benefits.

In the 19th century, after an outbreak where polluted water caused cholera and typhoid, people started making bottled industrial mineral water. The water in the bottle was seen as completely pure water. After the Second World War came to an end, mineral water started to become more popular.

The first brand to gain huge success after selling mineral water was Nestle, but other brands would bottle mineral water before that. The first brand of bottled mineral water was launched by Jackson’s Spa in 1767. Perrier became popular in 1977 with its own brand.

Do Water Filters Affect the Mineral Amount in Water?

Yes, water filters do affect the mineral amount in water. Water filters remove contaminants from the water. The number of contaminants removed will depend on the pore size of the filter. Sediment water filters may allow for the minerals to pass. Reverse osmosis filters have smaller pore sizes and will remove all contaminants from the water. How does a water filter works will typically depend on its use or pore size.

How Can a Water Filter Protect the Mineral Amount During Filtration?

A water filter captures sediments such as dust or sand, preventing them from passing. However, sediment water filters have larger pores, going from one micron to 50. As a result, healthy minerals pass while other contaminants are removed from the water. Reverse osmosis systems do not protect the minerals during water filtration and remove those minerals altogether.

What Is the Ideal Water Filter for Protecting the Mineral Profile of Water While Purifying It?

A sediment water filter is one of the best filters to maintain the mineral profile of the water. This is because minerals such as calcium have around 1 micron on average, and a sediment water filter captures contaminants rated 1-50 microns. This means that most minerals will pass through sediment water filters. To improve the quality of the water, people often pair a sediment water filtration system with UV filters and water softeners.

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