What Kind of Water Is That?

Ever wonder why you don’t need to teach babies to drink water? Our need for it is built into our DNA! In the past, communities lived and thrived based on their proximity to clean water. They had little choice in the matter, as long as it was drinkable, it was good. Today, thanks to modern technology, we have the luxury of choosing from a variety of water types.

Hydration, digestion, and temperature regulation are some of the bodily functions essential for our survival that are supported by drinking water. Different water types, sourced from various locations, offer unique drinking experiences, including distinct tastes and mineral compositions. Let’s dive into these different types of drinking water and explore their differences.

Minerals: An Overview

Mineral water is exactly what it sounds like: water with a high mineral content. It comes from underground springs or wells where it flows over and through rocks, picking up minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate. This natural process is what gives the water its distinct taste and a host of health benefits.

The minerals found in this water are essential for your body. For example, they can help with bone development, hair and nail growth, and even energy transport. Basically, mineral water isn't just a refreshing drink—it's a nutritious one, too.

Go Deep, Then Grow

For a truly natural drinking experience, spring water is an excellent choice. This water originates from underground sources and, as it travels through soil and rock, it naturally collects beneficial minerals and nutrients, much like mineral water.

However, the key difference lies in the processing. While mineral water is often treated to standardize its mineral content, spring water undergoes minimal processing from its source to the bottle. This means you're getting a purer, more natural product that's ideal for those seeking an unprocessed and clean hydration option.

 Time To Make It Shine

Sparkling water, also known as carbonated or soda water, offers a unique experience. It's infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, which creates a fizzy, bubbly texture similar to soda. Unlike sugary soft drinks, sparkling water is calorie-free, making it a great option for enjoying a bubbly beverage without the sugar.

Sparkling water can be naturally carbonated from underground sources or artificially processed. Some brands also offer flavored versions, which can be a good middle ground if you want a bit of taste.

Finally, remember that the mineral content can vary a lot between different brands of water. If you're looking for specific minerals, check the nutrition labels on the packaging.

Sources:

1. Quattrini S, Pampaloni B, Brandi ML. Natural mineral waters: chemical characteristics and health effects. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab. 2016 Sep-Dec;13(3):173-180. doi: 10.11138/ccmbm/2016.13.3.173. Epub 2017 Feb 10. PMID: 28228777; PMCID: PMC5318167.

2. WebMD Editorial Contributors. (n.d.). Sparkling Water: Are There Benefits? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/sparkling-water-health-benefits