Drinking mineral water is a wonderful way to rejuvenate your body’s minerals and improve your overall health.
What is Mineral Water?
Quite simply, mineral water is water that emerges from a natural mineral spring, which results in the water being very high in mineral content. More specifically, this mineral water typically has a higher content of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium than regular water. Every source of natural spring water is slightly different in composition, which may explain the slight difference in taste between the many different brands of mineral water on the market. [1]
Mineral springs, throughout history, were places where people would go to bathe and soak in these unique waters, in an effort to improve the health of their body. Today, these mineral springs are more well known and profitable as sources for the bottle of mineral water. Some of these sparkling waters also contain high levels of compressed gas (e.g., carbonation), so they have the bubbly flavor of carbonation that so many people enjoy. Rather than drinking carbonated sodas or other beverages with added sugars or nutrients, drinking mineral water can be a healthy and enjoyable alternative.
Mineral water is water from a mineral spring that contains salts and sulfur compounds. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Mineral Water Benefits
There are quite a few proven benefits of mineral water, such as:
- Improving blood circulation
- Replacing the body’s electrolytes
- Detoxifying the body
- Boosting bone mineral density
Detoxify the Body
Just like any other form of water, mineral water can help to induce urination, which is one of the best ways to detoxify the body, eliminating excess fats, salts, and toxins. This can also help to reduce strain on the kidneys and metabolism. [2]
Weight Loss
Although there are no calories in mineral water, the additional nutrients and the carbonation can often help someone feel full as compared to regular water. For people struggling with their weight, or trying to establish a calorie deficit, drinking this sparkling water may aid weight loss efforts.
Electrolytes
Unlike regular water, mineral water contains potassium and sodium; in the best types, the sodium levels are low, while the potassium is high. This is a great way to improve nervous system function and reduce blood pressure, as potassium is a vasodilator. In other words, this carbonated water can also protect cardiovascular health. [3]
Bone Density
With high levels of magnesium and calcium, this form of water is definitely a boost for your bone mineral density, which lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis as you age. [4]
Cholesterol
Magnesium can help to regulate cardiovascular health in a number of ways and has been linked to lowering overall cholesterol levels. Drinking mineral waters that have high levels of magnesium can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. [5]
Neurodegenerative Diseases
When your electrolytes are well balanced, and your nervous system can function properly, there is less of a chance for chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. In turn, some studies have found that consumption of this mineral-based water can protect against certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. [6]
Circulation
Although the primary mineral usually isn’t iron, it is present in many varieties of this specialty water. With additional iron content in your diet, your blood circulation will improve. Iron is a critical component of red blood cell production. Thus, more iron means better oxygenation, faster healing, and better organ function throughout the body. [7]
Mineral Water vs Water
As mentioned earlier, the primary difference between regular tap water and mineral water is the content of minerals in these waters, including iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, among others. While tap water isn’t always pure H20, mineral water has measurable levels of minerals in every sip. Furthermore, there is no carbonation of trapped gases in tap water, whereas the mineral variety can sometimes have carbonation or “bubbles”. Finally, since mineral water tends to be gathered from the underground source, there is a much lower chance for contamination, whereas tap water in some areas is not consumed, for fear of contamination.
Mineral Water Dangers
There are clearly many benefits to this specialized type of water, but there are some side effects, including elevated blood pressure, and the risk of plastic toxicity, cancer, and artificial sweeteners.
- Hypertension: Some mineral waters are high in sodium, which could cause a rise in blood pressure, particularly in those who are already struggling to balance their electrolytes.
- Plastic Toxicity: If mineral water is bottled or stored improperly, there is some risk of plastic toxicity, and while this is quite rare, it is always best to consume mineral water directly from its source, if possible. [8]
- Artificial Sweeteners: Some mineral waters are further treated or processed, and may be exposed to other chemicals or sweeteners. If you want the pure benefits of mineral water, avoid anything that has been overly processed, as this could reduce the mineral content of the water.
