How to choose mineral water

Drinking two liters of water a day keeps us fit, makes our skin more beautiful, and promotes diuresis. Water is one of the main components of our body, and our entire organism depends on hydration. It allows us to eliminate toxins and maintain proper moisture in the mucous membranes of our nose and throat. Many of us prefer mineral water to still or low-mineral water. Rich in bubbles and with a pleasant flavor, especially during meals, it has become an integral part of many of our diets. This has generated a turnover of €2.700 billion for the bottling companies, and more than 250 brands distribute this water, so beloved by Italians. In fact, our country holds the European record for mineral water consumption.

Index of topics

The bottle

Choose glass bottles over plastic ones. Although the latter are more common, they travel a very long way and are often transported for hours under the sun. Heat tends to alter the properties of plastic , which affects the quality of the contents. Also avoid purchasing mineral water bottles , such as Ferrarelle, which still haven't updated their plastic caps to comply with the new regulations, which require them to remain attached to the container to prevent leakage.

The fixed residue

This is the information most sought after by consumers. The lower the value, the lighter the water. In the case of mineral waters, the fixed residue is higher, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. In many situations, a high value is healthy because it responds to specific needs of our body, such as the need for mineral salts, resulting from intense sweating.

Nitrates and nitrites

Their presence must be limited because they are indicators of pollution. For this reason, their presence in water is monitored. For nitrates, the maximum legal limit for mineral waters is 45 milligrams per liter (10 milligrams per liter for infants), while for nitrites the threshold is 0,02 milligrams per liter.

And minerals

The various mineral waters on the market also vary based on the presence of specific minerals. Ferruginous waters, for example, are particularly suitable for those suffering from anemia , while magnesium-rich and sulphate-rich waters have a laxative effect. For those suffering from colic, it's important that the water has a low calcium content.

Wellness

Let's dispel the myth that mineral water makes you gain weight. Besides specifying that it contains no calories, it should be added that the increased carbon dioxide content doesn't bloat the stomach or cause gastritis. Only those who suffer from flatulence should avoid it.

Acidity

This is an important value for your choice. It's measured by pH, which ranges from 1 to 14, and usually sits in the middle, around 7. This value depends on the ions in the water, which can determine whether the pH is acidic or alkaline (from 6,5 to 8). If the pH is too high or too low, that brand of mineral water should be avoided.

Football

Water can also contribute to a good calcium intake. Mineral water with good calcium levels (called calcium-rich water) is recommended, for example, for those who are lactose intolerant . However, those who suffer from kidney stones should be careful about the amount of calcium they consume.

Sodium

Another very important value, based on our needs. To be classified as sodium-rich, mineral water must have a sodium content of at least 200 mg/l; if you need to drink a low-sodium mineral water, then the value must be less than 20 mg/l. It's always preferable, except in specific situations, to opt for a mineral water with a low sodium content, as the salt we consume throughout the day is already abundant.

As a understand if thewater it's good

Over the course of a lifetime, a person drinks, on average, around 50 thousand litres of water. water. Therefore, it is important to know its quality and avoid unpleasant surprises. The most important parameter to evaluate is always the fixed residue, that is, the quantity of minerals inorganic contents in a liter ofwater. In practice, what remains after the evaporation of a litre of water. This fixed residue value, to have awater of good quality, it must be less than 30 milligrams per litre.