An adage tells us not to wait until we’re thirsty before digging a well. We can also tell you not to wait until you’re thirsty to get a drink. Keeping yourself hydrated is an essential function for maintaining optimal health. Studies indicate that the very best water for accomplishing that objective is mineral water, and the benefits of mineral water are countless.
We’re going to take a look at the benefits of mineral water in this article and how staying hydrated with this mineral-rich will make you healthier. Before we dive into those benefits, let’s look at a quick list of the essential minerals contained in mineral water and how it compares to the water which comes from your tap.
What Is Mineral Water?
Mineral water typically contains iron, calcium, and magnesium. But potassium and sodium are often found in it as well. If you contrast that to the potential chemicals from your tap water or bottled water, it doesn’t take much to realize that mineral water is far better for your health.
But don’t look to mineral water as an all-inclusive cure. For serious health concerns, you should consult a medical professional.
Get Healthy Just by Using a Glass: 15 Benefits of Mineral Water
Better Bone Health
Given its makeup, it should come as no surprise that better bone health is among the top benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Make your mineral water by filling a quart jar with filtered tap water;
- Add 1/8 tsp each of baking soda, Epsom salt, and potassium bicarbonate;
- Blend the ingredients well;
- You might even consider the use of a seltzer bottle if you’re going to be serious about making your own;
- Only store your mineral water in a clean glass jar for best results;
- Consume a minimum of two quarts daily.
How it works:
Rich in calcium, mineral water is essential for bone formation and maintaining bone density.
Alkalizing
Having slightly alkaline rather than acidic blood is another of the benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Create your mineral water soda by blending 1 cup fresh strawberries, 2 Tbsp of lemon or lime juice a couple of tsp of coconut sugar (if necessary);
- Add the blended ingredients to 2 Tbsp boiling water in a saucepan and dissolve it into syrup;
- Pour syrup into a quart jar and add mineral water;
- Drink this with ice and a sprig of mint, if you like.
How it works:
Calcium, magnesium and potassium help to regulate and maintain alkaline levels in your body.
Alertness
Another of the benefits of mineral water comes from the sharpness it can add to your afternoon slump.
What to do:
- Mix ½ cup pink or red grapefruit juice with ½ cup of pomegranate juice in a blender until smooth;
- Pour the contents into a saucepan;
- Add ½ cup of raw honey and 2-star anise pods;
- Boil for 5 to 7 minutes, and then allow the liquid to cool for 30 minutes;
- Add 3 Tbsp of the syrup to a 10-oz. Glass, add ice and mineral water.
How it works:
One of the most active electrolytes in the brain is potassium. It enhances memory, concentration, and alertness.
Stronger Hair
Stronger and healthier hair is among the most attractive benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- After shampooing, rinse your hair using cold mineral water;
- Because of the cost of store-bought mineral water, you really should consider making it yourself using the directions listed under Better Bone Health above;
- Drinking mineral water will also help strengthen your hair.
How it works:
Restoring the proper pH both inside and outside your scalp with the use of mineral water is what repairs damaged hair.
Healthier Skin
Another of the benefits of mineral water is healthier and more elastic skin.
What to do:
- Make and consume any of the recipes on our list;
- Also, when you cleanse your face, do a final rinse with mineral water.
How it works:
Silica, found in mineral water, triggers the production of collagen in your skin. Consequently, it reduces wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness, and also helps to moisturize.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Regulating your blood pressure is another of the serious benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Blend ½ cup of cold milk, ½ cup of mineral water, 1 peeled a ripe banana and two tsp of honey;
- Add crushed ice and nuts and seeds if you choose, blend until smooth and enjoy.
How it works:
Calcium and magnesium are active compounds in the function of regulating blood pressure.
Relief of Arthritis Symptoms
Another of the simple yet effective benefits of mineral water comes in the relief of arthritis symptoms.
What to do:
- Brew and chill 2 cups of chai tea (add a couple of tsp of honey if you want sweetness);
- Peel, core and finely chop ½ of an apple;
- In a 12-oz. Glass pour 1 cup of tea, ½ of the chopped apple and a few ice cubes, top off the glass with mineral water.
How it works:
Both magnesium and potassium work well at inhibiting the inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritis.
Improved Exercise or Athletic Performance and Recovery
You can obtain improved exercise or athletic performance and recovery as another of the benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Make your sports drink.
- Into 4 cups mineral water add ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime, lemon or mixed juice;
- Add in ¼ cup raw honey and mix well;
- Keep this drink on hand to fill your sports bottle.
How it works:
Magnesium and potassium assist in the contraction and expansion of muscles as well as helping to help prevent the depletion of the minerals during your workout or event. This provides you with faster recovery during and after exercise.
Metabolizes Fat
Though weight loss is not one of the direct benefits of mineral water, it does help to metabolize fat better.
What to do:
- Use mineral water as the primary liquid in your favorite smoothie recipes;
- Skip sodas and energy drinks when you need a boost of energy and drink mineral water or your homemade sodas instead.
How it works:
Mineral water includes fat metabolizing minerals that can help burn off the fats in your body. Then, it uses up the ones you consume more efficiently.
Digestive Aid
Another of the benefits of mineral water can provide as a digestive aid or to relieve digestive issues.
What to do:
- Bring 1 quart of water to a boil and add ¼ tsp whole cumin, ½ tsp whole fennel and two pinches of powdered licorice root;
- Boil for 5 to 7 minutes and allow it to cool;
- You can drink this warm or chilled before and after meals.
How it works:
Mineral water contains sulfates, which are catalysts to digestive enzymes. Additionally, the alkaline properties help to reduce acid reflux as well.
Reduced Risk of Kidney Stones
Reduced risk of kidney stones is another of the pain-relieving benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Combine 1 cup lime juice, ½ cup of honey, zest of 2 limes, and two 4-inch sprigs of fresh rosemary into a saucepan;
- Bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes;
- Let the syrup cool;
- Cover and allow to chill;
- Add a couple of Tbsp (more or less according to taste) to a 12-oz. Glass of mineral water.
How it works:
Calcium and magnesium in mineral water help to break down the oxalates which cause kidney stones, the addition of rosemary also helps in the reduction of oxalate buildup.
Reduces Inflammation
Reducing inflammation and relieving pain caused by inflammations it is another of the benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Peel and slice ½ inch each of turmeric and ginger root;
- Add the above roots to a food processor or juice extractor along with ½ of a lemon;
- Strain the juice into a glass, add raw honey to taste and top it off with mineral water.
How it works:
Magnesium and potassium are inhibitors of inflammatory enzymes. With the addition of ginger and turmeric, this quick drink is more potent than a half dozen ibuprofen. This is all without the harmful side effects.
Better Oral Health
Better oral health is another of the benefits of mineral water you can sink your healthier teeth into.
What to do:
- Make a mineral water shake to die for by adding ½ cup of lemon sorbet, ½ cup each of frozen raspberries, blackberries and blueberries into a blender;
- Top it off with a couple of Tbsp of honey to taste and 2 cups of mineral water;
- Blend until smooth, sit back and enjoy better health.
How it works:
Just like calcium helps strengthen bones, it also helps strengthen teeth against cavities.
Improved Mental Health
Another one of the positive benefits of mineral water comes with improved mental health.
What to do:
- Trim and core 1 pound of frozen strawberries and toss them into a blender;
- Add the juice of ½ of a lemon, ½ cup of loosely packed basil leaves and ½ cup of honey;
- Blend until smooth add the ingredients to a sauce pan, boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes;
- Allow the mixture to cool and store in the refrigerator;
- Add ½ cup or so of the mixture to a 12-oz. Glass of mineral water according to taste and brighten your mood.
How it works:
The minerals in mineral water help to sweep neurotoxins. These interrupt the balanced mood function from your system. The addition of basil also gives you a mood boost.
More Effective Hydration
More efficient hydration is among the ultimate benefits of mineral water.
What to do:
- Instead of carbonated sodas or energy drinks loaded with sugar and sugar substitutes, have your fresh fruit sodas, energy drinks and mineral water on hand to hydrate right.
How it works:
Studies by S. Williams, N. Krueger, M. Davids, D. Kraus and M. Kerscher in 2007 show that mineral water, over tap water, is much more effective at hydrating your body. Not to mention that it is infinitely better than store-bought sports drinks, sodas, and processed juices.
Sipping Water
When it comes to keeping you hydrated and helping your vital organs perform at optimal levels nothing beats the benefits of mineral water. Even your hair, skin and the muscles under your skin benefit greatly from the abundant minerals found in mineral water.
Try out the mineral water sodas, smoothies and sports drink recipes above and give yourself a boost in health. Be sure to add any questions, comments or success stories to the comments section below.
Potential Drawbacks of Mineral Water
Drinking mineral water is considered to be safe for the majority of individuals, however, some brands may be too high in sodium for those who need a low-sodium diet.
Additional, there are a few concerns about the microplastic content of mineral water which comes in plastic bottles.
While the long-term health effects of microplastics are currently unknown, early test-tube and animal testing have suggested that these small particles can accumulate within your body and increase inflammation.
Finally, it has been found that sparkling mineral water is more acidic than still water. The exposure to this acid can damage your tooth enamel.
Although research is limited, one particular study found that sparkling mineral water damages tooth enamel only slightly more than regular tap water. It is 100 times less damaging than most sugary soft drinks, however.
Benefits of Mineral Water: Conclusion
Mineral water is usually bottled directly at the source and it often contains essential minerals including magnesium and calcium.
The exact mineral composition of water depends on where the water comes from. Regardless of where it comes from, there are many health benefits of mineral water.
This article has highlighted some of the best health benefits of mineral water.
Images: depositphotos.com.