Traditionally, mineral waters were used or consumed at their spring sources, often referred to as "taking the waters" or "taking the cure," at places such as
spas,
baths and
wells.
Today, it is far more common for mineral water to be
bottled at the source for distributed consumption. Travelling to the mineral water site for direct access to the water is now uncommon, and in many cases not possible because of exclusive commercial ownership rights. More than 4,000 brands of mineral water are commercially available worldwide.[1]
The more
calcium and
magnesium ions that are dissolved in water, the harder it is said to be; water with few dissolved calcium and magnesium ions is described as being soft.[2]
In the
European Union, bottled water may be called mineral water when it is bottled at the source and has undergone no or minimal treatment.[4] Permitted is the removal of
iron,
manganese,
sulfur and
arsenic through
decantation,
filtration or treatment with
ozone-enriched air, insofar as this treatment does not alter the composition of the water as regards to the essential constituents which give it its properties. No additions are permitted except for
carbon dioxide, which may be added, removed or re-introduced by exclusively physical methods. No disinfection treatment is permitted, nor is the addition of any
bacteriostatic agents.[citation needed]
Chemistry of Mineral Water
Mineral water does not go through any chemical processing. [5] This means no purification and no additional components will be added to the water. Chemically, mineral waters can be classified under the following: bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride, calcic, magnesiac, fluorurate, ferrous, and sodium-rich. [6]
Positive Effects of Mineral Water
Bicarbonate is the working component of baking soda. This bicarbonate anion in mineral water works to neutralize acidic conditions within the body. A benefit of using bicarbonate is relieving heartburn. [7]
Sulfur, more recently, has been shown to benefit many things within the body including
hypertension and
inflammatory diseases. The active form of sulfur in mineral water is a gas known as hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This gaseous form of sulfur is able to penetrate into skin and mucus membranes. This allows for it to work at the cellular level throughout the body. [8]
Chlorine is a naturally occurring antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-parasitic agent. Drinking small amounts of chlorine, like the levels within mineral water, is not harmful per the CDC. [9] Chlorine assists in producing hydrochloric acid in the body, which aids in chemical digestion to nutrients. [10]
Calcium is one of the most important minerals that is used in our body. It is used as a
neurotransmitter in muscular contraction and nervous system pathways. It is also the main component in preserving bone health, which is crucial for the developing bodies of young adults. [11]
Magnesium water consumption has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. It is further being studied in its positive effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. [12]
Fluorine is a mineral commonly supplemented in community water sources. Fluorine is a crucial mineral for our tooth health, preventing against tooth decay and cavities. [13]
Ferrous mineral water, which has increased iron, helps transport oxygen in blood. Ferrous iron is the active state of iron in
hemoglobin, which allows for oxygen binding, transport, and delivery within our body. [14]
Sodium-rich water replenishes
electrolytes in our body. Excessive sodium intake can disrupt homeostasis and lead to increased blood pressure.[15]