What is mineral water?
Mineral water is water with minerals in it — obviously. More specifically, it’s water that comes out of a “geologically and physically protected water source” with at least 225 parts per million (ppm) “total undissolved solids,” according to the FDA. Basically, it comes out of the earth with minerals in it. While having dissolved solids in your water may just sound like it’s dirty, these solids are minerals that your body needs but can’t make for itself.
Minerals found in mineral water include:
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Potassium
Mineral vs. Tap Water
Both mineral and tap water have minerals in them. In fact, some say tap water is healthier because it has more minerals than mineral water. However, tap water has minerals added to it while mineral water comes out of the ground that way. One small difference is that mineral water can come carbonated or flat, so if you want bubbly water you won’t find it at the tap. However, that’s basically the only difference between the two.
Health Benefits
We already know that there are many health benefits of water, like living! But what makes mineral water special? Having a boost of minerals can actually do a lot of good. For example, calcium builds and maintains strong bones, and magnesium helps keep your heart rhythm normal and helps muscle contraction. Sodium can help muscle and nerve function, too.
There are a couple of other benefits too. The form minerals take when dissolved in water, called “ionic,” makes it easier for your body to absorb them. Carbonated mineral water may even improve cholesterol!
There is however, a caveat: sodium is good in moderation, but not in excess. We typically get plenty of sodium in our normal diets, so completely switching to mineral water for its health benefits isn’t a good idea.
Mineral Water Brands
You may be wondering now where you can get some of this water. If you’d rather but it than get it from the tap, there are plenty of brands to choose from:
- Topo Chico
- Perrier
- San Pellegrino
- FIJI Water
- Whole Foods Italian Mineral Water (sparkling or still)
- Crystal Geyser Natural Sparkling Mineral Water
If you’re looking for something more local, Crazy Water is the only mineral water sourced in Texas and is available at most stores selling other mineral water brands.
Mineral water is the perfect solution for those looking to give their bodies an extra boost of healthy minerals. However, it’s not the only way to get them. At the end of the day hydration is more important than the drinking water you choose. So grab the water you’re most likely to drink enough of, and drink up!
For more information, contact Kinetico of San Antonio today.
