Mineral water is better than tap water
What are the components of mineral water, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and is it better or tap water?
We will answer all these questions in detail, but let us first learn about the sources of mineral water, so continue reading with us.
What is the source of mineral water and what does it consist of?
Mineral water is obtained from underground wells, springs, springs, or mountains, and unlike tap water, it is often not subjected to chemical treatment and is bottled at the source.
Mineral water consists of the same components as river water, but it is rich in mineral salts and important elements, so it is called mineral water.
It also contains some gases, and also differs slightly from river water in taste and smell.
It is worth noting that the composition of mineral water varies depending on the source it comes from, according to the different layers of the earth and the topography of each region.
What elements are in mineral water?
As we mentioned before, the components of mineral water vary depending on the source, but it mostly contains the following elements:
- Iron.
- Calcium.
- Magnesium.
- Sodium.
- Potassium.
- Zinc.
- Bicarbonate.
Now that we know the sources and components of mineral water, we will learn about the difference between mineral water and tap water.
The difference between the components of mineral water and tap water
Water is not only useful for the body's vital functions to function properly, but its importance lies in providing some important elements that the body does not produce itself.
Therefore, many people prefer to buy bottled mineral water, due to its many health benefits, in addition to its purity, even if they have clean tap water.
However, there is a big difference between mineral water and tap water, as they both contain minerals, but they are found in a greater percentage in mineral water.
Both of them are subject to treatment in one way or another. Mineral water is also subject to some type of treatment, to get rid of toxic substances, or remove gases when extracted from some areas.
Speaking of the difference between them, we will discuss each of them separately in the next few lines.
Characteristics and components of tap water
The source of tap water is either from fresh water bodies, or groundwater.
Tap water specifications are supposed to match local and international safe drinking water standards.
Water is first transported from its source to water treatment plants, where it undergoes chemical purification and disinfection, and is then delivered to homes via tap, through underground pipes and pipes.
Important minerals are also added to it, but over time these metals cause water pipes to rust and corrode, resulting in harmful substances leaking into tap water.
Properties and components of mineral water
As we mentioned before, the source of mineral water is wells and natural springs, so it is rich in minerals compared to tap water.
According to the standards of the World Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must contain a certain percentage of the minerals we mentioned before.
The organization also prohibits the owners of mineral water production companies from adding any chemicals or medicines to the water.
However, mineral water may sometimes need some treatment to remove toxins or gases.
Perhaps to add carbon dioxide (CO2), due to its great importance, as it acts as an antioxidant and prevents the growth of bacteria in water.
Benefits of mineral water
Due to the unique components of mineral water that we mentioned before, it has great benefits for human health, which are:
- A source of magnesium.
- Helps lower blood.
- Regulating blood circulation.
- Strengthen bones.
- Promoting digestive health.
We will discuss each element in detail in the following lines.
Mineral water is a source of magnesium
The components of mineral water vary according to the source it comes from, as we mentioned before, with the percentage of magnesium ranging from 1 mg/liter to more than 120 mg/liter.
This does not mean that tap water is devoid of magnesium, but it contains less magnesium than mineral water.
Magnesium plays an important role in:
Regulating blood pressure.
Regulates blood glucose levels and supports nerve function.
As magnesium deficiency causes many health problems, such as:
- Exhaustion.
- Anorexia.
- Vomiting.
- Muscle weakness.
Severe magnesium deficiency also causes more serious problems, such as:
- cramps.
- Numbness.
- Epileptic seizures.
- Mood changes.
- Arrhythmia.
- Low levels of calcium and potassium.
The role of mineral water in lowering blood pressure
Because mineral water contains a high percentage of magnesium, it works to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown that drinking one liter of mineral water daily helps prevent high blood pressure.
The role of mineral water in regulating blood circulation
As we mentioned before, mineral water is a great source of many important elements, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which work to regulate and enhance blood circulation.
The role of calcium in particular is to regulate heart rate.
The role of mineral water in strengthening bones
Calcium, which is abundant in mineral water, helps build strong bones, so it is extremely important for children.
When bone tissue breaks down, the body, with the help of calcium, immediately deposits new bone in its place.
After bone growth is complete or as one ages, the rate of bone tissue breakdown may exceed the rate of new bone formation, causing osteoporosis.
This can be compensated for by regularly consuming foods and mineral water rich in calcium, so this element is of great importance for pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular.
The role of mineral water in promoting digestive health
Mineral water is rich in sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate, so it works to promote digestive health and regulate bowel movement.
Drinking one liter of mineral water also helps calm the intestinal muscles and treat constipation.
Mineral water damage
Although mineral water contains a greater amount of important elements than tap water, it has some risks, including:
It contains a percentage of microbes
Mineral water, of course, contains fewer microbes than tap water.
However, the percentage of microbes contained in mineral water may vary depending on the source it comes from, because it is bottled at the source and is not subject to treatment.
Contains carbonic acid
Carbonic acid, which may be present in small amounts in mineral water, causes bloating or hiccups .
The effects of mineral water on teeth
Mineral water is more acidic than tap water, which leads to damage to the enamel (outer layer of teeth).
Harmful effects of plastic bottles
Microplastic particles pose a major health risk, as some plastic bottles contain bisphenol A, which may transfer into drinking water.
This substance causes an imbalance in the body's natural hormone functions, but there is some research that denies the validity of this information.
Environmental Pollution
Of course, empty plastic water bottles harm the environment when disposed of incorrectly.
In addition, plastic packaging consumes a large amount of energy and raw materials, in addition to high costs.
In conclusion, we can say at Smartly that despite the harmful effects of mineral water, its benefits far outweigh its harms, and it is healthier than tap water.