DO WE KNOW WHAT WE DRINK? BRIEF MINERAL WATER DICTIONARY

We identify them by the shape of their bottle, their colour, and where they are located in the supermarket. Advertisements emphasise some words, we’ve gotten used to its taste and perhaps have even learned to distinguish it from others. But do we know what water we drink? What properties and benefits it offers us? The following is a brief dictionary to help you know what we drink and how we are affected by the minerals it contains. Types of water:

BICARBONATED: Water with over 600 mg/l of bicarbonate, good for people with gastric acidity and favours the elimination of uric acid. Bicarbonate water is recommended for people with difficult digestions as it boost s pancreatic exocrine secretion and favours digestive function and intestinal transit. Also associated with an improvement in cholesterol levels.

CALCIC: Each mineral water contains its specific minerals. Some have chloride, sulphates or iron. When water is calcic, it means it is rich in calcium. Water is calcic when its calcium content is greater than 150 mg per litre (milk contains 1200 mg of calcium per litre). Therefore, although its calcium content is not as high as it is in dairy products, it is still and extra source for the organism. Several studies consider that calcium is a contributing factor for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The presence of a certain amount of calcium in drinking water could reduce cardiovascular risk and help reduce systolic pressure (high blood pressure), through daily and frequent consumption. Furthermore, calcic water is associated with anti-allergenic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.

HYPOTHERMAL: It is the classification of the water based on its temperature. Subterranean water is classified as thermal depending on its temperature at its point of exit. In this case, hypothermal water is that which emanates at temperatures of between 20º and 35ºC.

LITHIA: Lithium is a mineral which has been used for ages to treat physical and psychological diseases, due to its calming and stabilising power. Furthermore, it is considered beneficial for people with skin conditions. Lithia water is that which has 1 mg of lithium per litre.

WEAK MINERALISATION: The type of water is determined by the geological characteristics of the terrain and the type of mineralisation depends on the rocks found in the springs. When water is categorised, by law, as water of weak mineralisation, it means it has up to 500 mg of minerals per litre. That’s all well and good but, what does it mean? Well, basically, that this type of mineralisation helps eliminate toxins faster than other types of water. It is smack in the middle. That is why it is recommended for babies, older adults (whose bodies have a harder time detoxing with age) and, for those with hypertension, renal conditions or water retention.

POTABLE: Potable water is any which can be consumed with normality as it does not surpass the tolerable sanitation limits. All mineral water is potable, but not all potable water is mineral. Running water that comes out from our kitchen tap is potable, it quenches our thirst, but it does not contain mineral salts. Only water categorised as such offers specific health benefits.