The store has a lot of different bottles with tableware and mineral water. But which of them can be drunk, and which are not worth the effort?
Bottled mineral water, which is sold in stores, is divided into several variations that are worth paying attention to.
The purpose of such water is usually written on the label in small letters under the brand name. So, bottled mineral water is divided into:
So, mineral water is divided into several types depending on the amount of minerals in the composition. It happens:
- Fresh;
- With a weak amount of minerals;
- With a small amount;
- With a high amount of minerals in the composition.
Healing mineral water contains up to 15 grams of minerals per liter. Such water can only be taken if indicated by a doctor.
Table Mineral Water
Table mineral water contains a small amount of trace elements. As a rule, this is 1 gram per liter of water. It does not have healing properties, but it stimulates digestion. Such water can be consumed in unlimited quantities, but, as we know, from two to three liters per day.
Just remember, cooking on such water is not worth it – after it remains sediment. To do this, it is better to use ordinary drinking water.
Among the best representatives of table water can be distinguished – “Morshinsky”, “Truskavetska” and “Mirgorod”.
Medical and table water
Medical and table mineral water contains up to 10 grams of minerals per liter. It should be taken in limited quantities. As a preventive measure, a liter of water per day will be enough.
Medical-table mineral water may contain such components: iron, boron, iodine.
Also, you can find chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate and iodized water. Each of them is aimed at solving a health problem.
So , g and hydrocarbonate water is recommended for active sports, infants and with cystitis. It has the property of lowering the level of gastric juice. The most famous example of such water is Polyana Kvasova.
Chloride water is recommended under high pressure, it improves the metabolism in the body. Known to everyone, Mirgorodska is one of the best “representatives” of chloride water in the Ukrainian market.
Also, on the shelves in the supermarket you can find some “elite” types of mineral water, which are also aimed at solving any health problems.
Water with oxygen. Such water allows you to saturate the blood with additional oxygen, which is very useful for metabolism. Oxygen water is quite difficult to find, but its presence is immediately indicated on the label.
Water with silver. It has a disinfecting property.
Water with iodine. Useful for people with low iodine levels in the body. Iodized water is quite popular in the Ukrainian market – the known “Esentuki”, “Narzan” and “Borjomi” are most saturated with iodine.
So, knowing all these long varieties, you can independently determine what water to pay attention to in the supermarket. The main thing is to trust the manufacturer.
How to choose the right mineral water?
Table water is considered one in which the amount of minerals per liter does not exceed 3 grams. Everyone can drink it. Water, in which from 3 to 10 grams of mineral salts per liter is called the medical-canteen. With her already need to be careful and listen to the testimony. But water, in a liter of which contains from 10 to 35 grams of salts, as well as a lot of iodine, bromine, fluorine and other active elements is exclusively therapeutic. It is taken as directed by a doctor.
Features and Features
The chemical composition of mineral waters can be very different from each other. Both taste and medicinal qualities of one or another water depend on the composition. Four main groups of mineral waters are distinguished: hydrocarbonate, chloride, sulfate and mixed.
Hydrocarbonate, that is alkaline, have a soda flavor. Chloride, containing compounds of chlorine, sodium and calcium, tastes salty. Sulphate, a mixture of sulfur with calcium, magnesium and sodium, bitter and with a pronounced odor. The taste of mixed water depends on the prevailing minerals. Most often, natural water is still. Carbon dioxide is added to it so that the minarel does not lose its healing properties in contact with air.
When choosing mineral water it is extremely important to choose the one that suits you. Otherwise, regular use of mineral water can lead to exacerbation of diseases. By the way, during an exacerbation of diseases of internal organs, any mineral water is contraindicated. Children do not want to drink sulfate water, as sulfates interfere with the absorption of calcium. And until the age of three, babies are better not to give any mineral water, especially sparkling water.
Benefits
Magnesium source
This nutrient plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, blood glucose and nervous function. The amount of magnesium in the water can vary from 1 milligram per liter (mg / l) to more than 120 mg / l, depending on the source.
Recommended daily intake of magnesium:
- 310-320 mg for adult women.
- 400-420 mg for adult men.
The following are some symptoms of magnesium deficiency:
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle weakness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Lowering blood pressure
Low levels of magnesium can increase blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and conditions that cause an irregular heartbeat. Therefore, mineral water, rich in magnesium, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A small 2004 study of 70 adults with borderline hypertension and low magnesium showed that drinking 1 liter of mineral water per day lowers blood pressure.
Blood circulation regulation
Mineral water may contain large amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium, which contribute to normal blood circulation. Calcium is needed not only to build and maintain strong bones. It also regulates the frequency and rhythm of the heartbeat.
Bone strengthening
Mineral water contains calcium, which helps strengthen bones. Regular exercise and calcium-rich diets can strengthen bones and prevent bone loss.
The authors of the 2017 study compared how the body absorbs calcium from milk, calcium supplements and mineral water. They concluded that high calcium mineral water, in fact, can improve calcium supply to the body.
Digestion
Eating enough magnesium in your diet can help prevent constipation and improve digestive health. Magnesium draws water into the intestines, which improves the consistency of the stool. It also relaxes the intestinal muscles, supporting regular bowel movements.
According to the results of a randomized controlled trial, the use of mineral water containing magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate led to more frequent bowel movements and an improvement in the quality of life of people with constipation.
Admission Rules
Before you prescribe a course of treatment, be sure to consult a doctor. Indeed, in addition to the selection of suitable mineral water, one must also know the rules of admission. If the doctor does not prescribe another scheme, you can adhere to general recommendations. Most often, the course of hydrotherapy lasts 3-4 weeks.
In gastritis with high acidity, the water is heated to 45 degrees and drunk an hour and a half before meals three times a day. You can drink from a quarter to a half glasses at a time. In gastritis, with low acidity, mineral water is drunk 15-30 minutes before meals in the same quantities. Water temperature should be room temperature.
Colitis in combination with indigestion is treated with hot mineral water. Drink it 30-50 minutes before meals 3 times a day in an amount of 0.5 – 1 glass. If the disease is accompanied by constipation, water does not need to be heated. Also add a glass of mineral water drunk before bedtime.
The liver will be grateful for a glass and a half of mineral water warmed up to 45 degrees, drunk an hour and a half before meals.
Gallbladder diseases are treated exclusively with hot mineral water. With cholecystitis and gallstone disease, up to seven and a half glasses of water are drunk per day. Once you can drink from 2 to 2.5 glasses. Do this three times a day 30-40 minutes before eating. With a decrease in the function of the gallbladder and bile ducts, they drink less water – 1-1.5 glasses 40-50 minutes before eating.
With pancreatitis, they drink hot water in 1 / 3-1 / 4 cups, 3 times a day 40-50 minutes before eating. And with diabetes, the water is heated to 30 degrees and taken in a glass, 3 times a day for 40-50 minutes before eating.
Cystitis and pyelonephritis go away if you drink a glass of room temperature mineral water an hour before meals and 2.5 hours after a meal. A total of 4-5 glasses a day. This applies to cases where the patient does not have kidney stones. To drive out small stones from the kidneys, you will have to drink a lot more water – 2-2.5 glasses at a time, 6-8 times a day. Drink water at room temperature before meals and 1-2 hours after eating.
Balneological resorts of Ukraine
To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is best to use water not from bottles, but directly from the source. You can do this by going to the resort.
Fortunately, in Ukraine there are health resorts with mineral water in almost all areas:
- Lviv region – Truskavets, Morshin, Skhidnytsia, Nemirov.
- Transcarpathian region – Rakhov, Lower Solotvino, Vinogradov, Mezhgorye, Kvasy, Sinyak, Svalyava, Shayan, Karpaty, Polyana, Solochin.
- Poltava region – Mirgorod, Velikaya Bagachka, Vlasovka.
- Vinnytsia region – Khmelnik, Nemirov, Bronnitsa.
- Donetsk region – Slavyansk.
- Crimea -Alushta, Saki, Yevpatoriya, Sudak, Theodosius.
- Odessa region – Odessa, Sergeevka.
- Zaporizhzhya region – Berdyansk, Kirillovka.
- Dnipropetrovsk region – Oryol.
- Kharkov region – Berezovskoe.
- Khmelnitsky region – Satanov, Volochysk.
- Ivano-Frankivsk region – Cherche, Sheshory.
- Rivne region – Zhobrin.
- Sumy region – Tokari.
- Cherkasy region – Budyshche.
- Chernihiv Oblast – Mena.
- Kherson region – Genic Hill
The risks
Plastic toxicity
Many plastic packages contain bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical may interfere with normal hormonal function.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, are another potential problem. Scientists have identified microplastics in food and beverages, as well as in seafood, beer and salt.
In 2018, researchers published a systematic review of current plastic toxicity data. Although they acknowledge that more research is needed, the authors report that microplastic in bottled mineral water does not pose a health hazard.
Sparkling water damages teeth
Carbonated water has a lower pH than normal, which makes it slightly acidic. According to a recent study, sparkling water significantly reduces the hardness of enamel on teeth in the laboratory.
Ecological problems
One of the main problems associated with mineral water is packaging. Large-scale production of plastic bottles causes pollution and has serious environmental consequences.
In a 2016 study, scientists examined the environmental impact of tap water, mineral water in plastic bottles, and mineral water in glass bottles. They found that tap water treatment methods were the most favorable option. Scientists also noted that the production of glass bottles consumed the largest amount of raw materials and required more energy.