Mineral Water
If you are confused by conflicting arguments about the health benefits of mineral water, keep in mind that not all mineral waters are alike
Natural Mineral Water
Water that comes out of the ground will pass through several layers of rocks; it will therefore contain the mineral elements of these rocks. Depending on the source, some of these minerals may either be good or bad for health.
Bottled Mineral Water
In addition, the quality of bottled mineral water will also be affected by the bottling method and how it was stored.
Confused?
Not to worry. Read on for further clarification, on the health benefits of mineral water and why some people are saying otherwise. You will also learn how to read the bottle label.
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What is Mineral Water? - According to FDA
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
"mineral water is any natural water that contains at least 250 parts per million of total dissolved solids (TDS). It must be verified through a lab test whereby a litre of water, evaporated at 180 degrees C, should leave a residue of minerals and salts.
Up to 249 mg/liter it is classified as 'Spring Water'.
From 250 to 500 mg/liter, it is considered 'Low Mineral Content' or Light Mineral Water and,
Above 500 mg/liter, normal or High Mineral Content.
This mineral water must be from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. It can either be flat or sparkling. No minerals may be added to this water"
However, in other countries, these standards may vary and the term "mineral water" can be water with a lower TDS. So when you travel abroad, be extra careful with the quality of bottled mineral water. Read the label to learn more.
Bottled mineral water in different countries may have different TDS
Source: tomerlichtash, CC-BY, via flickr
Health Benefits
Are there any health benefits in drinking mineral water?
There are many and the most important reason is the minerals in the water that have healing properties.
In addition, our body can easily absorb these minerals that are in a water then in food.
Among its many health benefits are:
1. Detoxify the Body
Helps to detoxify the body from any potentially harmful substances
2. No Calories in Mineral Water
There are no calories in mineral water, so you don't have to worry about weight issues.
3. Replacing Electrolytes
Helps to replenish any lost water due to sweating etc. and will balance the electrolytes in the body.
4. Calcium for Our Body
Provide part of your calcium intake: This is important for people who suffer from lactose intolerance. (refer to the resources below)
5. Lower Your Cholesterol
Based on a study published in 2004 by the Journal of Nutrition, drinking mineral water can lower the cholesterol.
6. Better Hydrating Effect
Keep the body hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water. Drink even more if you do workout, or are out on a hot sunny day. Drinking mineral water and especially sparkling mineral water will motivate you to drink more, as it tastes better than tap water! Based on studies, (by S. Williams, N. Krueger, M. Davids, D. Kraus and M. Kerscher in 2007), drinking mineral water (as compared to tap water), showed a better skin hydrating effect.
Mineral-rich pool spa is popular for centuries, for its health benefits
Source: rwhgould, CC-BY, via flickr
7. Spas
Mineral water is also used in spas, where people bathed in it for therapeutic reasons. This has been in practice for centuries, as it is claimed to improve skin problems and arthritis problems such as joint mobility. By reducing inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints, it will relieve the pain in these joints. Some people will bathe, just for the relaxation.
8. Good Minerals
Contain minerals that are beneficial to your health (there are also minerals that may be harmful, read more in the next section):
- Magnesium: Helps to strengthen the immune system as well as relaxing the body and muscles. It is also known to lower blood pressure;
- Chloride and Bicarbonates: Helps to balance the digestive system;
- Iron: helps to deliver oxygen to the blood system
- Sulfate: Cleansing and detoxify the body; and
- Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth.
Although there are other minerals that are also beneficial, these minerals are the most commonly present, in almost all brands of bottled mineral water. They are also responsible in giving the brand, its distinctive taste.
9. Helps in Better Blood Regeneration
The water that your drink will help the body to renew your blood. This happens every 15 days. Hence, if you drink better quality water, you will have a better blood property. Generally most mineral waters are of high quality which will be beneficial to the blood regeneration.
Other uses for mineral water: Use mineral water to blow dry your hair
Source: jikatu, CC-BY, via flickr
10. Can Be Easily Absorbed by the Body
As mentioned earlier, the body can easily absorb minerals in water, than from most foods. Hence it can be concluded that drinking mineral water is essential for the daily intake of minerals.
11. Good for Hair
The next time you wash your hair, use mineral water. It will give a healthier as well as stunning hair. It is much better than tap water. You can also spray your hair with mineral water (or mix with the hair spray) before blow dry the hair. Even Evian Water now sells mineral water spray for hair and face.
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Quotes About Water
If water is too clear, it will not contain fish; People who are too cautious will never gain wisdom
~Chinese proverb
Why Others are Disputing the Health Benefits of Mineral Water
Some of the reasons given as to why it is not healthy to drink mineral water are:
- Natural mineral water will give you the essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. However, some brands may also have minerals which are not so beneficial to your health and these are sodium, sulfur and nitrate . So drinking these brands of mineral water will not be beneficial
- Although you need minerals to maintain a healthy body, these can be taken by eating a healthy and balance diet or by taking supplements. The body need minerals only in small quantities. Hence there is no need to drink mineral waters to get these minerals, especially since each production will provide different mineral composition.
- Bottled drinks including bottled mineral water are not healthy. Chemicals in the plastic bottle may be released into the water, especially if it is left in a car, on a hot sunny day.
- Bottled mineral water cost more compared to tap water, hence you will save a lot of money by not drinking mineral water.
Read the label, as from this photo, you can see these mineral waters all have different contents
Source: greatstuff
Know What You’re Buying - How to Read the Label
So before you buy bottled mineral water, please read the label. By understanding the mineral content in that bottle, you will be making a healthier choice. Check for the following minerals:
- Sodium: If your diet is already high in hidden sodium, and if combined with mineral water that is also high in sodium, you may well exceed the recommended limit. This will be harmful, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure.
- Nitrates: Mineral water with high nitrate content may be harmful for pregnant women and babies under six months old. It is therefore best to avoid brands that have nitrate content. The maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate is 45mg/l. For nitrogen MCL is 10mg/l. For nitrite, the MCL is 1mg/l.
- Aluminium: Although it is still uncertain of the effects of aluminum, especially with regards to Alzheimer's disease, it is best to avoid brands that have traces of aluminum in their bottled mineral water.
Codex Code for Mineral Water
Note: Refer to 'Codex Code for Mineral Water' (CODEX STAN 108-1981) for more information on the maximum allowable amounts of the mineral substances in the bottled Natural Mineral Water. Look up for 'CODEX Standard for Natural Mineral Waters' which is in PDF format (unable to give link to PDF file in HubPages)
- Sulfates: As sulfates are present in most groundwater, you will find almost all brands will have traces of this mineral. Sulfates are known to detoxify the liver, assist in the digestion, and give a healthy skin by increasing the blood circulation. It will also reduce any muscle cramps. However if it is in excess of 250-500mg/l, it will not only make the water taste bitter, but will also act as a laxative. Not a very good idea especially if you are on the move.
Quotes About Water
“A little water is a sea to an ant”
~ Afghan Proverb
Minerals that May be Present in Mineral Water
Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Borondioxyde (BO2-), Bromine (Br-), Calcium(Ca++),Chloride (Cl-), Cobalt (Co), Carbondioxyde (CO2), Chromium (Cr-), Copper(Cu++), Fluoride (F-), Germanium (Ge), Hydrogencarbonate (HCO3-), Iodine (I), Iron(Fe++), Lithium (Li+), Magnesium (Mg++), Manganese (Mn+), Nitrate (NO3-), Potassium(K+), Rubidium (Rb), Silica (SiO2), Sodium (Na+), Strontium (Sr++), Sulfate (SO4--), and Zinc(Zn++).
Additional Info to Check on the Label
Some bottled mineral water, may either be distilled or tap water, that has been processed and added with minerals during the bottling stage.
So it is best to read the label and see if you are buying a Natural Mineral Water or otherwise.
You may also want to read the label for the following:
- Acidity (pH) - Mineral water should be neutral and have a pH level of 7 or slightly higher. Below 7 means the water is acidic and above 7, it is alkaline.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – According to FDA it must be at least 250 mg/litrer (or 250 parts per million)
- Mineral elements that may be present in the mineral water are listed in the adjoining text box, on the right. Some of these minerals are beneficial to your health, whilst some are not. For commercial reasons, no sane manufacturers will bottle mineral water that has minerals that are harmful for human consumption!
- Any pertinent nutritional claims
- Any contact information for the bottler
- Type of water, its source, and how it was processed.
If in doubt, contact the bottler and ask for their latest test results.
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Why is Water Important for Our Bodies?
Our bodies are actually filled with water and on average we have up to 70% of our bodies filled with water. However, this figure varies from person to person.
Our brain is 70% water, lung is 90% water, blood has 83% water and our lean muscle tissues have 75% water, by weight.
Every day we lose body water through sweats and other body wastes and on average we must replace about 5 pint (2.4 liters) of water, daily.
It is important that we replenish this lost water as water
- will transport oxygen and nutrition to our cells in the body
- help to cushion our body joints
- will assist in bowel movement
- help to regulate our body temperature
- will reduce chances of getting urinary tract infections
- in sufficient amount will help maintain a good kidney function
- regulate our blood pressure and stop it from dropping to life-threatening level
- will help blood from clotting to defend against blood clots
- will help to moisturize and keep our skin from being dry
- will reduce chances of getting frequent headache
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Stay Hydrated
Hence, staying hydrated and drinking lots of water will keep us healthy. With many benefits of mineral water, it is hence, a good idea to drink mineral water to replenish this lost water.
Remember that all bottled natural mineral waters come from several sources and will not taste the same. The mineral content will also vary. So before buying any bottled mineral water, please read the label for its source and ingredients.
Choosing the right brand will help give you the right health benefits of mineral water.
Stay hydrated and enjoy.
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More Articles on Healthy Food
The following are some of my articles on the health benefits of taking vinegar and fruits.
Pomegranate Vinegar
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and taking pomegranate vinegar offers many health benefits. Check it out here Health Benefits of Pomegranate Vinegar
Pomegranate Fruit
Eating pomegranate fruit may be messy but it has many health benefits which you should not ignore. Check it out here Pomegranate Health Benefits | Its Many Uses
Dates Vinegar
Not many people are familiar with dates vinegar. In fact many have never heard of dates vinegar before! Check it out here Health Benefits of Dates Vinegar
Apricot Seed or Kernel
Eating apricot seed is known to help people with cancer. Check it out here Health Benefits of Apricot Seed
Mulberry Fruits
Do you know that besides using mulberry leaves to feed silkworms, you can also enjoy its many health benefits of eating the fruits? Check it out here Health Benefits of Mulberries
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References & Resources
- World Health Organisation on Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water
- World Health Organisation on Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality
- World Health Organisation Springs and Spas
- International Journal of cosmetic Science : Effects of Mineral Water in Skin Hydration
- The Journal of Nutrition : Reduction in Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - Absorbability and Utility of Calcium in Mineral Water
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition - Effect on Magnesium Bio-availability from Mineral Water in Healthy Women
Disclaimer
"This article is written for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being."
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