Hydration and beyond – mineral-enriched natural water
The use of natural mineral waters goes way back to distant prehistory, and springs have, since ancient times, been special places where people gathered and made use of the health benefits of mineral water.
Along with naturally contained CO2 bubbles, the impact of mineral waters is determined by their mineral composition, which has, due to the proven health benefits of mineral waters earned their sources popularity and interest of common people, experts and scientists.
The popularity of natural mineral waters is no surprise if one is aware of the importance of minerals for the maintenance of bodily functions – from calcium which is necessary for bone growth and development in children, for normal development and maintenance of bones and teeth, muscle function, neurotransmission, the function of digestive enzymes, energy production and blood coagulation; sodium which participates in muscle and nerve operation, in maintaining the balance of bodily fluids, electrolytes and blood pressure, and the transport of nutrients through the membranes; chloride which contributes to normal digestion by producing stomach acid, or magnesium which helps reduce fatigue and exhaustion, assists the creation of energy, assists the normal function of nerves and muscles, including the heart, psychological function, protein synthesis, electrolytes balance, maintaining the normal function of bones and teeth and cell division.
According to mineral content, natural mineral waters can be categorised into low-mineral natural waters (mineral quantity of up to 500 mg/l) and mineral-rich waters (mineral quantity larger than 1500 mg/l). Mineral-rich waters can be a significant daily source of minerals. In most cases they are carbonated because as they move through the ground, they get naturally infused with carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and dissolve minerals from the rocks they pass through. The addition of CO2 at bottling preserves the solubility of minerals that are necessary for vital physical functions.
Among the minerals most commonly found in natural mineral water are calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, numerous microelements, sulphates and hydrogen carbonates.
Natural mineral water, which contains a whole array of dissolved minerals essential in the human body, can prove to be particularly beneficial to anyone with increased needs, to those who are physically active and workers dressed in protective suits and are prone to excessive sweating.
The following fun facts are particularly interesting:
- One litre of Mg Mivela contains the complete recommended daily intake of magnesium and is a natural source of magnesium,
- One litre of Jamnica contains approximately 30% of the recommended daily intake of chloride,
- One litre of Sarajevski kiseljak contains approximately 30% of the recommended daily intake of calcium
So it is evident that natural mineral-rich waters bring more than hydration itself to the table – they can be used functionally, as an integral part of a personalised plan, devised according to specific individual needs for minerals and water.