When choosing which bottled water to buy, the selection criterion for many consumers is usually price or taste. But what about the nutritional aspects that could make a difference in our daily diet? Water, in addition to hydration, can provide “very important mineral supplements,” explains the doctor specializing in urology, Cristina Barrera, on her social networks. All the information is on the labels.
Contrary to what most people think, it is not always better to opt for waters with weak mineralization. These, according to the urologist, are a kind of “empty water”, without any extra mineral contribution. Strongly mineralized waters are rich in calcium and magnesium, essential minerals that are often not obtained in sufficient quantities through daily diet.
Magnesium helps keep the nervous system in good condition, regulate blood pressure, relax muscle tissue, have a healthy immune system, and balance blood sugar. When selecting bottled water, although most brands do not offer significant levels of magnesium, it is preferable to opt for those that contain at least 10 milligrams of this mineral per liter.
“As you should consume approximately one gram of calcium daily, I like the water to have a moderate calcium content, between about 50 and about 100 milligrams per liter,” explains the urologist, Cristina Barrera. Calcium is crucial for bone health, aiding in muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, blood clotting and heart function.
Regarding sodium, since it is the main component of salt, it is preferable that its presence in the water be minimal. Ideally, below 10 milligrams per liter, to reduce the risk of hypertension and other health problems. It is important to keep in mind that in general we consume more sodium than recommended. In addition to controlling its intake in other foods, it is crucial to be aware that its presence in water can also be harmful to health.
Weakly mineralized water, on the other hand, is recommended for people with kidney diseases, babies and young children, people with hypertension, those with digestive problems and athletes who need to rehydrate without excess mineral salts after intense physical activity.
