As you are probably aware, your body is mostly made up of water; approximately 60 percent of your body weight is water. It is needed by all your cells and organ systems every single day to perform a variety of functions, including bringing nutrients into your cells, keeping your joints well-lubricated, flushing toxins and keeping your mucous membranes moist. Water needs to be routinely replenished because you lose water with every breath, through sweating, defecation and urination. Drinking bottled water is one way to help keep yourself hydrated.
What Constitutes Bottled Water
There are federal regulations governing what constitutes bottled water. According to GPO Access, "Bottled water is water that is intended for human consumption and that is sealed in bottles or other containers with no added ingredients except that it may optionally contain safe and suitable antimicrobial agents." Bottled water may also contain small amounts of other nutrients, such as fluoride, as long as it is within federal guidelines. The source of the water must also be correctly identified on the label. For example, artesian water must come from a "confined aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer" and spring water must come from "an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth."
Plain Bottled Water Nutrition
There are no calories in plain bottled water, whether it is spring water, purified water, artesian water or tap water. It contains no carbohydrates, protein, fats, sodium or cholesterol. If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, this makes water the perfect diet drink. The FDA notes bottled water is the second most popular drink in this country; Americans consume more than 26 gallons each per year, second only to carbonated beverages.
Flavored Bottled Water Nutrition
Some companies have jumped on the bottled water bandwagon by offering flavored waters. These waters are fortified with some nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, but most also contain sugar. This adds calories and the nutrients aren't typically in sufficient quantity to make a big difference in your diet, especially if you are taking multivitamins. Eight oz. of Glaceau's XXX Vitamin Water contains 50 calories, with 13 g of carbohydrates, all sugar. An 8 oz. bottle of berry-flavored spring water has 15 calories, 60 mg of sodium and 3 g of carbohydrates with 2 g of sugar.
Daily Water Needs
While everyone's needs are different, MayoClinic.com states the normal recommendation is eight 8 oz. cups of water daily. If you are drinking bottled water to fulfill your requirement, this factors out to eight 8-oz. bottles of water daily. Of course, all your water doesn't have to come from bottled water, as other fluids that contain water also count.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Water; How Much Should You Drink Every Day?; April 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Water: Meeting Your Daily Fluid Needs; February 2011
- GPO Access: Code of Federal Regulations: Food and Beverages
- FDA: FDA Regulates the Safety of Bottled Water Beverages Including Flavored Water and Nutrient-Added Water Beverages
- MyFitnessPal: Vitamin Water- Glaceau XXX
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin Water: Better than Plain Water?; November 2009
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