Mineral Water

OK. First an admission. I always thought sparkling Mineral Water came out of the ground with its bubbles. I thought that's what makes it mineral. Or something like that.

Now that's out of the way let's talk about real Mineral Water. This type of water contains, no surprise, minerals and trace elements. These are usually measured as what remains when a liter of water is evaporated at 180 degrees Celcius.
The residual minerals have both good and negative effects on humans.

The range of minerals and elements goes from A to Z. Acidity is measured in pH.

Just some of them include:
* Aluminum
* Arsenic
* Bromine
* Calcium
* Chloride
* Chromium
* Copper
* Fluoride (which is generally added to our municipal water supply)
* Iodine
* Iron
* Lithium
* Magnesium
* Manganese
* Nitrate
* Potassium
* Silica
* Sodium
* Sulphate
* Zinc

The health benefits. Are there any?
Many experts argue that to just drink filtered water robs you of vital minerals and trace elements.
The main issue surrounding the health benefits of Mineral Water is not that the minerals aren't important to us, it's just that to absorb them through drinking water isn't very efficient. Having said that, even just taking in a small amount of these minerals is beneficial.
There's no debating the essential function of water in providing liquid for the body (95% of our blood is water). But there are no scientific research studies showing a tangible effect on our health.
Interestingly, in the USA it's illegal to promote water as beneficial to your health.

Why Mineral Water?
The case for is really the case for all water. As natural water has no artificial ingredients, no calories, no sugar and is the most efficient means of hydration, it is far and away better than drinking sodas or other flavored Waters or soft drinks.
It really comes down to taste. Good quality mineral waters just taste fresh. And as mentioned above, nothing quenches the thirst better. (Plus, keep your Water drinking up throughout the day...if your thirsty it's a sign from your body that you're dehydrated. Try not to get thirsty.)
Plus, you can't drink too much water, though 3 liters is about the maximum per day for an adult - depending on climate, diet, exercise and the body.
The minimum adult daily quantity is about 1.5 liters.

Sparkling or bubbly water
As a big drinker, of water I hasten to add, I tend to get a little bored of it. I have a 1.5 liter filtered water bottle next to me all day. But I can resent it after a few hours. So I drink non-caffeine teas - peppermint, camomile, green and various other Chinese styles.
But come the early evening nothing else will do other than sparkling water. It just really refreshes me. Plus it makes me feel like I'm drinking something more 'adult' or substantial. Rather that than a beer.
As I drink a lot I have gone for the cheaper private label stuff. As we've looked at before there's no great difference. No need I've found to pay the extra for a branded Mineral Water unless you simply prefer the taste.

Enjoy!