Mineral Water and Its Health Benefits

Rows of water from distilled to purified and from flavored to so called "pure" water, but still in amongst the rows of water is mineral water line the grocery stores aisles. Not as many brands, but there nonetheless. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, mineral water is water that contains at least two hundred and fifty (250) parts per million total dissolved solids and is also water coming from a source tapped at one or more bore holes or springs originating from a geologically and physically protected underground water source. Further, no additional mineral may be added to the water.

But what makes mineral water good for one's body? The people at the World Health Organization and Health News Digest both agree that mineral water helps in the body in the following ways: (1) Replenishes water naturally lost from body as well as balance electrolytes as the dissolved minerals enter the blood stream; (2) Helps detoxify the body or potentially harmful substances; and (3) It is claimed and believed by some that mineral water can reduce pain, aches and swelling as well as reduce inflammation of muscles and joints.

Some of the minerals that are beneficial to one's body and are found in mineral water include: (1) Magnesium, which helps strengthen one's immune system and relaxes the body and muscles. This mineral can also help lower blood pressure; (2) Chloride and Bicarbonates, which helps balance in the digestive system; (3) Iron, this helps blood deliver oxygen throughout the entire body; (4) Sulfate, which can help with cleansing and detoxify the body; and (5) Calcium which helps strength bones and teeth. There are a host of other minerals that also help the body, but these five are the most well known within mineral water. It is because of the minerals in the water that give the water its distinctive taste and for some, it is truly an acquired taste

According to the World Health Organization it is recommended that one should drink brands of mineral water that contain a list of precise minerals contained in the water, so one knows what they are drinking and not getting any mineral in their system that could be potentially harmful. Mineral waters now also can be formulated to contain specific quantities of additives that can boost healing properties, energy, immune system and help obtain daily vitamins; again one should carefully read the list of additives before drinking. As with all health or herbal remedies and in this case mineral, consult with a physician if you are not sure if the water you're drinking can help or harm.