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Water Quality
What is Mineral Water and Is It Healthy?
4 min read
Mineral water is high in electrolytes like magnesium, calcium and sodium.
These nutrients are important for cellular energy production, digestion and nearly every organ in the body.
In this article, we explore the potential health benefits of drinking mineral water and see how it stacks up against other types of water.
Let’s goooo!
Mineral water is bottled directly at the source from natural springs and reservoirs.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must contain at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of dissolved solids (a.k.a minerals) in order to be considered “mineral water,” and adding minerals during the bottling process doesn’t count!
Depending on the source, it may contain:
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Bicarbonate
- Iron
- Zinc
Some brands are higher in magnesium, while others are higher in calcium, and these differences can make a big impact on the overall flavor and health benefits.
Unlike other bottled waters and tap water, mineral water is bottled at the source. However, it may still undergo some processing to adjust carbonation and eliminate toxins.
It is also naturally carbonated, unlike club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water which are carbonated during the bottling process.
Then at the bottom of the water-quality barrel is tap water...
Most treatment plants in the U.S. add chlorine to kill bacteria, even though some studies suggest that chlorine can be harmful to your health.
Even worse, America’s tap water is notorious for containing high levels of dangerous contaminants, including nuclear waste. Yikes!
Natural water is loaded with nutrients that support the bones, heart, digestion and more.
Let’s take a closer look at some of this natural waters’ top health benefits:
Mineral water that’s high in magnesium may help prevent and treat constipation.
Studies show that magnesium improves intestinal hydration and relaxes the smooth muscles in the intestines. Ultimately, this softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. A 6-week study found that drinking magnesium and sulfate-rich water can make your stool softer and help you go more often.
The electrolytes found in mineral water are critical to cellular hydration. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium are especially important—they work together to absorb water, create energy and expel waste.
Balanced electrolyte levels also promote nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of complications like:
- Adrenal fatigue
- Chronic stress
- Hormone imbalances
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
When it comes down to it, electrolytes are a fundamental part of how your cells function, and mineral water has plenty of ‘em.
Some research suggests that calcium and magnesium deficiencies can lead to high blood pressure, but mineral water may be able to help.
A recent study found that drinking water high in calcium and magnesium can significantly lower blood pressure. At the same time, a 4-week study on people with high blood pressure found that drinking 1 liter of mineral water a day can significantly reduce blood pressure levels.
This is great news for your heart, because high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Drinking natural water may protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and boosting magnesium. Studies suggest that magnesium can reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and sudden death.
Mineral water may also promote heart health by reducing triglycerides and (bad) LDL cholesterol in the blood. According to a recent study on postmenopausal women, they found that drinking this water can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
Mineral water can be a great source of calcium, and calcium is key to bone health. In fact, the calcium in the water is often easier for the body to absorb than other sources.
A recent study published by the journal Osteoporosis International concluded that:
“The bioavailability of calcium from calcium-rich mineral waters thus seems to be at least comparable to, and possibly better than, that from dairy products.”
Sorry dairy, it’s time to “moo-ve over” for mineral water!
A separate study on 255 women found that regularly drinking calcium-rich water can improve bone mass density. But bone health isn’t just about calcium…
The bicarbonate and magnesium in natural water are also important for strong bones. All-in-all, mineral water is a one-stop-shop for bone health.
Unfortunately, drinking mineral water comes with a few downsides.
For starters, some brands may be too high in sodium for people on a low-sodium diet. Plus, there are concerns about microplastic toxicity from bisphenol-a (BPAs) and other chemicals in plastic water bottles. Early animal studies show that microplastics can build up in the body and promote oxidation.
Last but not least, sparkling water is often more acidic than regular water, and acidic water may damage tooth enamel.
If you want all the health benefits of mineral water without the downsides, then installing a reverse osmosis system is the way to go. They fit right under your sink, and they turn your tap into a fountain of alkaline, mineralized water that’s free of toxins.
Click here to learn more.
