When you think of vitamins and minerals, you may not think of a refreshing glass of water. But the truth is, mineral water is the real “vitamin water.” It’s offered to you straight from nature, containing essential minerals our body needs to function properly. So forget the trendy and often sugar-laden vitamin-infused beverages and reach for a bottle of mineral water instead.
What is mineral water?
Natural mineral water comes from a mineral-rich spring. The mineral content of your water will vary, depending on where it comes from. Some minerals found in mineral water include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Bicarbonate
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Sulfate
- Silica
Health benefits of drinking mineral water
- Improved bone health: High calcium content found in mineral water can help maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Better muscle and nerve function: Magnesium content in mineral water helps improve muscle and nerve function, including regulating the heartbeat and managing blood sugar levels.
- Lower blood pressure: Drinking mineral water rich in magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure. In one study, people saw a reduction in blood pressure by drinking just 1 liter of mineral water per day.
- Reduced risk of kidney stones: Consuming mineral water containing calcium and magnesium can lower your body’s concentration of calcium oxalate, a leading contributor to kidney stone formation.
- Optimal electrolyte balance: Mineral water effectively restores the essential electrolytes sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonate, keeping your body in balance.
- Enhanced digestion: Bicarbonate and sulfate found in mineral water help prevent acid reflux by balancing pH levels in your gut, while also encouraging your body to release digestive enzymes that aid in food digestion.
- Healthier skin, hair, and nails: Silica found in mineral water can increase the strength of skin cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Drinking mineral water can also improve the health of your hair and nails.
Choosing the right mineral water brand
When shopping for mineral water, keep these tips in mind:
- Pick a brand packaged in a glass bottle to avoid BPA leaching.
- Read the label: Different mineral waters contain different minerals and varying levels of each. Choose one that fits your health goals. Two popular high-quality options are Gerolsteiner and San Pellegrino.
- Beware of high sodium levels. Some mineral waters have excessive sodium content, so check the label before purchasing.
- Avoid artificially flavored or sweetened mineral waters.
Drinking regular filtered water should still be a part of your daily routine, but incorporating mineral water can prove to be a nutritious and invigorating addition to your hydration regimen. Enjoy your mineral water still or sparkling and add a slice of lime or lemon for a little extra flavor.
