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At its core, what is mineral water? It’s water sourced from natural springs or wells, naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, often bottled without chemical tweaks. Unlike regular tap or filtered water, which may be stripped of minerals during processing, mineral water retains these elements, giving it a distinct taste and potential health edge.
In India, brands like Bisleri, Tata or Himalayan market mineral water as a premium choice, often with TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels of 100-500 ppm, signalling mineral content.
But does this mineral boost translate to real benefits of mineral water? Let’s unpack the science and see how it compares to mineral water vs regular water.
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What Sets It Apart?
Picture yourself reaching for a glass of water after a long hot day. The cool, crisp taste washing away fatigue. Now imagine that water isn’t just quenching your thirst but also nourishing your body with essential minerals.
Drinking water is as much a ritual as a necessity and mineral water has carved a special place, from roadside stalls to dining tables. But what sets it apart, and does drinking mineral water truly offer health perks?
This blog dives into what is mineral water, explores its benefits of mineral water, and weighs how it stacks up against regular water. Thereby helping you decide if it’s the right sip for your health and lifestyle.
The Health Benefits of Drinking Mineral Water
Drinking mineral water is more than just about hydration, it’s about delivering nutrients your body craves. Here are seven reasons it might deserve a spot in your daily routine, rooted in science and tailored to lifestyles.
- Supports Bone Health
Best mineral water for bone health shines with calcium and magnesium in water. A 300 ml glass of mineral water can deliver 10-20% of your daily calcium needs, strengthening bones and teeth. - Aids Digestion
Does mineral water help with digestion? Yes, especially sparkling varieties. The carbonation stimulates stomach acid, easing bloating after heavy meals like biryani or chole. Sulphate-rich mineral water, found in some Indian brands, may also promote bile flow, helping digest fats. Sip it post-meal for a lighter feel. - Boosts Electrolyte Balance
Electrolytes in mineral water like sodium, potassium, and magnesium keep you hydrated, especially in humid summers. A 500 ml gulp can replenish what sweat steals during a commute or workout. Athletes or those fasting during festivals like Navratri benefit from this natural recharge. - May Lower Blood Pressure
Can mineral water lower blood pressure? A study in the Journal of Hypertension, suggests magnesium-rich mineral water (50-100 mg per litre) can relax blood vessels, easing mild hypertension. - Enhances Skin Health
The silica in some mineral waters supports collagen production, giving skin a subtle glow. Magnesium also fights inflammation, potentially reducing acne. While not a miracle cure, drinking mineral water daily (2-3 litres) keeps skin hydrated, complementing your skincare routine. - Supports Muscle Function
Magnesium and potassium in mineral water prevent muscle spasms, a boon for gym-goers or those juggling long workdays. A litre can provide 10-15% of daily magnesium, keeping muscles limber during yoga or cricket matches. - Promotes Kidney Health
Calcium and bicarbonate in mineral water may reduce kidney stone risk by alkalizing urine. For people prone to stones due to hard water or spicy diets, mineral water offers a gentle shield, especially in high-TDS regions.
These benefits make mineral water for digestion, bones, and more a compelling choice, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix.
Related: 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water
Mineral Water vs Regular Water:
Regular water hydrates effectively but often lacks minerals, especially after reverse osmosis (RO) strips TDS to near-zero. Mineral water, with its natural or added minerals, offers a nutrient edge:
- Taste: Mineral water’s slight tang appeals to some, while RO water tastes flat.
- Cost: A 1-litre mineral water bottle costs ₹20-50, versus ₹1-2 for filtered tap water.
- Health: Mineral water adds trace nutrients; regular water is a blank slate, safe but basic.
For daily hydration, RO water with a mineral cartridge mimics mineral water’s perks at lower cost. Mineral water shines for specific needs like post-workout, digestion aid, or bone health, but isn’t mandatory for everyone.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Mineral Water
While benefits of mineral water are clear, it’s not perfect for all:
- Sodium Content: Some brands have high sodium (100-200 mg/litre), risky for BP patients. Check labels if you’re on a low-sodium diet.
- Cost Factor: At ₹7,000-₹15,000 yearly for a family of four, bottled mineral water pinches compared to a ₹10,000 RO system.
- Plastic Concerns: Bottled mineral water contributes to India’s 15 million tonnes of annual plastic waste. Glass bottles or home mineralizers reduce this.
- Source Quality: Not all brands are equal. Opt for BIS-certified ones to avoid fake or overprocessed water.
Balancing these ensures drinking mineral water fits your health and budget.
Making Mineral Water Work for You
Ready to tap into benefits of mineral water? Here’s how to weave it into your lifestyle:
- Choose Wisely: Pick BIS-certified brands with 100-300 ppm TDS for balanced minerals. Himalayan or Evian suit premium tastes; local brands like Aquafina work for budget buys.
- Mix It Up: Use mineral water for workouts or meals, regular filtered water to save Rupees.
- Go Sustainable: Invest in a mineralizing RO purifier (₹8,000-₹20,000) or reusable glass bottles to cut plastic waste.
- Monitor Intake: Aim for 2-3 litres daily, adjusting for activity or climate.
When to Stick with Regular Water
Mineral water isn’t always the answer. If your diet already packs calcium (milk, ragi) or magnesium (nuts, spinach), regular water hydrates just fine. Budget-conscious households or those with low-TDS tap water (below 150 ppm) may not need the extra minerals. Test your tap with a ₹500 kit, if it’s clean, a basic carbon filter (₹2,000) suffices.
Conclusion
Drinking mineral water offers a mineral-rich boost, from stronger bones to smoother digestion, making it a smart pick for many Indian homes. Its benefits of mineral water like electrolytes, heart health, and kidney support shine in a country where diets and climates demand hydration with purpose.
Yet, mineral water vs regular water isn’t a clear win; cost, sodium, and plastic waste call for balance. Whether you sip bottled mineral water or opt for a mineralizing purifier, the choice is rooted in health, savings, and sustainability. Take a step today, and let every glass fuel a better you.
FAQs
Q1: What is mineral water?
It’s water from springs or wells, naturally rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, bottled with minimal processing.
Q2: Does mineral water help with digestion?
Yes, especially sparkling types. Carbonation aids stomach acid, and sulphates may boost bile flow, easing heavy meals.
Q3: Is mineral water better for bone health?
Best mineral water for bone health provides calcium (10-20% daily needs per litre), supporting bone density, especially for non-dairy diets.
Q4: Can mineral water lower blood pressure?
Magnesium-rich mineral water (50-100 mg/litre) may relax blood vessels, helping mild hypertension, per studies.
Q5: How does mineral water compare to regular water?
Mineral water offers nutrients and taste; regular water (tap or RO) is cheaper, often mineral-free, but hydrates equally well.
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