There is an opinion that it is necessary to include water rich in natural minerals in the diet. There is ample evidence of how mineral imbalances can lead to poor well-being. However, it should be understood that mineral water from a store may not be exactly the product that the bowels of the earth give us.
Asking the question about the benefits and dangers of mineral water, you must remember that mineral water differs in composition. In nature, passing through rocks, water is enriched with mineral elements contained in these stones. Depending on the area in which the mineral water was obtained, it contains a different composition of minerals that can be both useful and harmful to health. Also, the packaging method and storage conditions affect the quality of water.
Carbon dioxide, with which mineral water is carbonated, is not dangerous in itself. However, its bubbles increase acidity and can cause bloating. People with gastrointestinal diseases are better off drinking non-carbonated water.
What is mineral water
Mineral water is water extracted from a natural source. The amount of solids in mineral water must be at least 250 units per million. The composition of the water is confirmed by laboratory tests by evaporating one liter of water at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius and monitoring the resulting sediment. If the water contains up to 249 mg of solids per liter, then it is classified as "spring water". If the indicator is from 250 to 500 mg, then this is “water of low mineralization”. Highly mineralized water contains over 500 mg of minerals per liter. Real mineral water is obtained from underground water resources in protected areas. It can be carbonated and non-carbonated. Normally, no additional minerals are added to such water.
Medicinal mineral water, unlike table water, should be taken as a medicine: in strictly limited doses and on the recommendation of a doctor.
What is the harm of mineral water
With all the advantages of mineral water and its undoubted health benefits, its use is still called into question. So what are the reasons for these doubts? Firstly, it may contain far from useful minerals, but these are sodium, sulfur and nitrate. When purchasing mineral water in the store, look for substances such as calcium, magnesium and potassium in its composition. These minerals are especially valuable for maintaining the health of the body. Secondly, with a deficiency of minerals, it is recommended to compensate them under the supervision of a doctor. For example, if there is a lack of iron, the doctor prescribes iron supplements in the required dosage. And the use of mineral water cannot be guaranteed to meet the needs of the body. Moreover, the composition of water differs depending on the source and it can be quite difficult to find the necessary combination of substances. Thirdly, water packed in a plastic bottle loses its properties, especially if it is stored in the sun or at high temperatures. Moreover, such water is not cheap. It turns out that you overpay for water, the composition of which is approximately the same as that of tap water.
