What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Sparkling Mineral Water?

It's poured with panache at spas and has a reputation as a natural, healing elixir. Even when poured into a regular glass from your cupboard, sparkling mineral water with its stream of bubbles seems to inspire an invigorating sense of good health. Its artisan quality, having been bottled at the source, is mandated by the FDA, though nearly all sparkling waters have carbonation added to them to maintain or create their effervescence. While water is vital to life, mineral content adds health benefits.

Mineral Water

The formula of pure, distilled water is two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. Add to this calcium, magnesium, sodium, chromium and other trace minerals, and you have hard or mineral water. These trace minerals, also known as oligoelements, are introduced into the composition of the water as it flows over rocks and earth. Federal Drug Administration guidelines define mineral water as coming from an underground source that naturally contains 250 or more parts per million of total dissolved solids. All minerals and trace elements must come from the source and cannot be artificially supplemented. The administration states that the term "sparkling water" is not regulated.

Mineral Water and Bone Health

Calcium is an important mineral for bone and dental health. It is the most abundant mineral in your body and is also needed for the healthy function of other body structures, including your heart, nerves and muscles. According to a 2004 study reported in the journal "Osteoporosis International," drinking mineral water with a high calcium content lowered the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, a demographic that according to study designers has a reported calcium intake that falls short of recommended levels.

Mineral Water and Cardiovascular Health

Improved cardiovascular health has been associated with drinking carbonated mineral water. In a 2004 study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers tested the effect of sodium-rich carbonated mineral water on lipoprotein metabolism. The water, which also contained bicarbonate and chloride, reduced several markers for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to stroke and heart attack. It also appeared to reduce fasting blood sugar levels, leading researchers to speculate about its therapeutic value in reducing metabolic syndrome.

Reduced Risk of Serious Illnesses

In 2006, the World Health Organization met on the possible protective effects of hard or mineral, water against cardiovascular disease. The experts specifically looked at the benefits of calcium and/or magnesium-rich water and suggested that consumption could reduce risk of numerous diseases including osteoporosis, formation of kidney stones, hypertension, diabetes, and heart and cardiovascular diseases. The findings were based on the epidemiological evidence of health risks posed by deficiencies of these minerals.