This is an automatically translated article.
Mineral water is obtained from underground reservoirs and natural springs. The composition of water can contain many essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Therefore, using mineral water can bring a number of health benefits.
1. What is mineral water?
Mineral water contains natural minerals along with other trace elements and it is bottled at the source. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mineral water must have no less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids or minerals and trace elements. Therefore, these mineral water products are not allowed to add minerals during the bottling process.
Unlike soda and seltzer, mineral water is artificially carbonated, but natural mineral water still allows the addition or subtraction of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the bottling process. In addition, mineral water can also be treated to remove potentially harmful substances such as arsenic.
As its name suggests, mineral water can contain large amounts of minerals and other natural compounds, including magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, sodium, sulfate, chloride, and fluoride. The type and content of minerals depends on where the water comes from. As a result, each type of mineral water will offer very different taste and health benefits.
While tap water can provide some minerals, bottled mineral water in general has much higher levels of these compounds
Trên thị trường hiện nay có khá nhiều loại nước khoáng khác nhau
2. Health benefits of mineral water
Drinking a lot of mineral water is good? Several studies have shown that drinking mineral water offers a number of health benefits. Due to the unique composition of minerals and organic compounds, natural mineral water can have health benefits such as:
2.1. May promote bone health Getting enough calcium is important for bone health at all stages of life, as it aids in bone growth and maintenance.
Mineral water has been shown by studies to be a good source of calcium. Furthermore, studies have also shown that the body can absorb calcium from mineral water more effectively if not better than calcium from dairy products.
A study conducted with 255 postmenopausal women found that those who regularly drank calcium-rich mineral water had higher bone mass density than those who drank water with lower calcium content. In addition, the bicarbonate and magnesium components found in mineral water can also support strong bones.
2.2. May help lower blood pressure Research shows that inadequate calcium and magnesium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. A recent study linked drinking water rich in magnesium and calcium with significantly lower blood pressure levels.
Since mineral water can be a good source of both of these nutrients, drinking mineral water can help lower blood pressure levels. A 4-week study in 70 adults with high blood pressure found that drinking at least 1 liter of natural mineral water per day significantly reduced blood pressure levels.
However, a review of 20 studies looking at the effects of mineral water on blood pressure found inconsistent results. Therefore, to better understand the relationship between mineral water intake and blood pressure, more in-depth studies are needed.
Nước khoảng có rất nhiều tác dụng cho sức khỏe, trong đó có thể giúp giảm huyết áp
2.3. May benefit heart health Carbonated mineral water may also help protect against heart disease. Two studies in postmenopausal women showed that drinking 0.5–1 liter of carbonated mineral water per day significantly reduced triglyceride and cholesterol-LDL levels, while increasing cholesterol-HDL levels. The magnesium in this water may also benefit heart health, as some studies show that higher levels of magnesium in water reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. Even so, more long-term studies are needed to determine how mineral water intake affects measures of heart health.
2.4. May Help With Constipation Mineral water is rich in magnesium and it can also help prevent and treat constipation. Several studies have shown that magnesium draws water into the intestines and relaxes the intestinal muscles. Moreover, along with these factors will also make the stool softer and easier to pass.
A 6-week study in 106 people with functional constipation found that drinking 500 ml of mineral water rich in magnesium and sulfate per day significantly improved bowel movements and stool consistency.
3. Some risks
Mineral water is a type of drinking water that is quite safe for human health. Very few studies indicate any negative health-related effects associated with drinking plain mineral water. Carbonated mineral water contains carbonic acid, which can cause hiccups or bloating. However, under certain circumstances and influenced by a number of factors, mineral water and other bottled water may contain contaminants. By definition, mineral water must contain a minimal amount of microorganisms.
Furthermore, mineral water does not undergo the same sterilization process as tap water because it is bottled at the source, so the bacterial range may vary.
3.1. Plastic toxicity In recent years, researchers have published a systematic review of current data on plastic toxicity. While they acknowledge that more research is needed, the authors report that microplastics in bottled mineral water do not appear to pose a safety risk.
Nước khoáng là loại nước uống khá an toàn cho sức khỏe người dùng
3.2. Carbonated mineral water damages teeth Carbonated mineral water can cause tooth enamel damage. Carbonated mineral water has a lower pH than normal water, so it is slightly acidic. According to a recent study, carbonated mineral water produced by a carbonated soda significantly reduced the hardness of enamel on teeth in the laboratory.
However, carbonated mineral water is still less harmful to teeth than drinking soda. A study has shown that flavored mineral water and regular carbonated mineral water pose less risk to tooth enamel than sugary soft drinks.
3.3. Environmental Concerns A major issue around mineral water concerns containers. The large-scale production of plastic bottles pollutes and causes serious environmental consequences.
In a few recent studies, researchers have looked at various environmental impacts of regular water treatment, including the issue of mineral water being contained in plastic bottles and in glass bottles. They found that the tap water treatment method was the most favorable option. The scientists also note that the production of glass bottles consumes the largest amount of raw materials and requires the most energy.
Although drinking mineral water is considered safe for everyone, some brands may be too high in sodium for people who need a low-sodium diet. In addition, the microplastic content of mineral water in plastic bottles also brings some health concerns. While the long-term health effects of microplastics are unknown, early animal and test-tube studies suggest that these microplastics can build up in the body and increase inflammation. inside the body.
Customers who have any questions about nutrition, can leave questions in the ASK DOCTOR VINMEC section on the website. Questions will be consulted by the doctor and sent to you as soon as possible.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
The article is referenced at the source: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com
