Mineral Waters – What Are They?

In nature, most waters are mineral waters because they contain minerals. In sales, on the other hand, every country has its own regulations to define which waters can be considered and sold as bottled mineral waters.

Generally speaking, mineral waters contain different kinds of minerals, trace elements and gases. Minerals in water give it its taste and sometimes therapeutic value. Often, natural mineral waters can be effervescent which means that in water dissolved gas is escaping from the liquid with fizz. When this is the case, water is sometimes called sparkling mineral water or natural sparkling water.

Mineral waters can also be created, by adding minerals and carbonation. Seltzer is any water with added carbon dioxide. Club soda usually also has minerals added in addition to carbonation. Both are filtered tap waters.

Researches on heart diseases and cancer show that healthy water is the one that is relatively hard and high in total dissolved solids (TDS). Distilling, de-ionization and reverse osmosis units remove during the purification process the harmful agents as well as beneficial minerals.

According to Dr. John Sorenson, leading authority in the area of mineral metabolism, "Minerals in drinking water are more easily and better absorbed than minerals from food."

Minerals are essential in optimal mental and physical health but our body cannot make any. Wholesome foods, like fruits and vegetables, grown in rich soil containing all the nutritious minerals, are our best source, along with clean, hard water. Processed, hi-sugar and refined foods, caffeine and alcohol deplete body of its minerals.

Experts of course disagree about benefits of mineral water. One of the objectives is that minerals in water are not easily absorbed in the body. Also, the elements contained in every mineral spring water should be closely monitored for contaminants like asbestos and uranium.
Unfortunately, the existing labeling on water bottles does not yet give enough information to consumers.

While in U.S. advertising of mineral water as beneficial to your health is against the law, the story is way different in Europe. Mineral water spas have many centuries long tradition and they are used for therapy and rehabilitation as one's own choice as well as prescribed by conventional medical doctors (and mainly paid by health insurance).

The best and safest mineral water bottle is, like all safe containers, made out of glass.

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