The benefits of mineral water for the body
Minerals in water and their benefits
Mineral water, carbonated or still, comes from underground and has a characteristic and constant composition over time. In perhaps the shortest possible definition, mineral water is microbiologically pure water originating from a groundwater or underground aquifer deposit and coming from a source exploited by one or more natural emergencies or boreholes, protected naturally and by strict areas.
We, Romanians, have been making a semantic confusion for a long time – we tend to call "mineral water" carbonated water, or bubble water, regardless of whether that water is mineral (biochemically and legally) table water or spring water.
Why is it good to drink mineral water?
Mineral water has numerous benefits, some less known to everyone. It contains salts, and these are very good for rehydrating the body, especially in summer. Contrary to some contemporary mythologies, like any good drinking water, mineral water does not make you fat, because it has no calories.
Most of the beneficial properties for the body occur due to these mineral salts, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts.
Among the minerals contained in large quantities in mineral water are calcium and magnesium, both essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Magnesium is very important for regulating blood pressure, and glycemic index, and is a good neurocerebral regulator. Magnesium also helps maintain digestive balance and prevents constipation because it draws water into the intestines, which improves stool consistency and promotes intestinal transit.
Calcium improves bone health by strengthening the bone system and preventing bone density loss. Thus, according to a recent study comparing calcium absorption in the body from milk, dietary supplements, and mineral water, calcium intake from mineral water can improve calcium levels in the body, if it is consumed frequently and regularly.
Along with the minerals mentioned above, mineral water is also rich in potassium, essential for the balance of electrolytes in the body, and sodium, which helps neutralize stomach acids, iron, and zinc, necessary for a strong immune system, among many other benefits.
In addition to the high intake of minerals, a definite benefit of this type of water is bottling at the source, which guarantees water quality. Thus, besides the fact that it does not pass through the pipes in the city's water circuit, mineral water does not suffer alterations in taste and composition as a result of the chemical processes to which tap water is subjected.
The only form of processing is carbonification or decarbonisation, and sometimes certain toxic substances, such as arsenic, are removed from their chemical composition.
Are there any contraindications to mineral water?
Although there are no severe contraindications, it is good to keep in mind some aspects, related to excessive consumption of carbonated water. Thus, too much carbonated mineral water leads to esophageal and abdominal discomfort, manifested by hiccups, bloating, and sometimes cramps.
Also, the amount of sodium should be considered when drinking mineral water. Limiting the amount of sodium is necessary for people who have hypertension, so it is very important to read its value on the label before choosing one type or another of mineral water.
Last but not least, carbonated mineral water can have a negative effect on tooth enamel. Carbonated water has a lower pH than regular water, which makes it more acidic and can affect the hardness of tooth enamel. This risk exists only in cases of frequent and regular consumption. So, with occasional consumption of carbonated water, we don't have to worry.
Types of mineral water
Mineral waters are of several categories:
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Oligomineral or low mineralised - the content of mineral salts, calculated as the total fixed residue, is not more than 500 mg/l.
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Very low mineralised - the content of mineral salts, calculated as the total fixed residue, is not more than 50 mg/l.
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Highly mineralized - the content of mineral salts, calculated as total fixed residue, is greater than 1,500 mg/l.
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Hydrogen carbonate - the content of hydrogen carbonate (HCO3) is greater than 600 mg/l.
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Sulphated - the sulfate content is greater than 200 mg/l.
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Chlorinated - chlorine content is greater than 200 mg/l.
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Calcium - calcium content is higher than 150 mg/l.
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Magnesian - magnesium content is greater than 50 mg/l.
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Fluorinated or contains fluorine - fluoride content is greater than 1 mg/l; the labeling requirements laid down in Article 19 (d) of the Rules shall be complied with;
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Ferruginous - bivalent iron content is greater than 1 mg/l.
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Acidified - the content of free carbon dioxide is greater than 250 mg/l.
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Sodium - sodium content is greater than 200 mg/l.
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Suitable for low sodium diet - sodium content is less than 20 mg/l.
Those indicated for consumption in a regime of 2l per day are only the oligominerals, which can be consumed just like table water or spring water, for daily hydration. La Fântâna mineral water, bottled at a source from a spring in Serbia, is such oligomineral water.
Nutritionists recommend alternating the consumption of mineral water (especially if it is not oligomineral) and table or spring water and carefully look at the labels on the bottle to choose a natural mineral water that will not harm the body in the medium and long term.
In conclusion, mineral water has a lot of benefits for the body that are mainly due to the minerals it contains. Its negative reputation can only be explained by the fact that, when consumed in excess, it can cause, like any food consumed in excess, various negative health effects. Also note that it is very important to inquire about the composition of the mineral water you choose, reading the label.