Water is an essential element for a person’s well-being. We often hear and read expert opinions advising us to drink the right amount of water during the day; some say at least one and a half litres, some no less than two litres and some more. Every situation is different and everyone certainly needs the right amount of water to stay hydrated, depending on their health status and specific needs.
One thing is certain, drinking water is good for you.
People often do not realise how important this small act is for one’s well-being. Drinking sufficient quantities of water, however, is not the only aspect to consider; another essential element concerns the choice of the right water. In fact, all waters are not the same; each is distinguished by the presence of certain components, in different quantities. Again, there is no right water for everyone, but must be chosen on a case-by-case basis. The mix of elements contained in water means that each type is different and carries specific properties for wellbeing and health. There are heavier waters, richer in calcium, others rich in sodium, others almost completely lacking in these elements.
How to choose the right one? Usually, one looks at the brand name and the label. In fact, every water is extracted from certain sources, where, as it flows, it is enriched with certain minerals that are more or less useful for a person’s well-being. Looking at the label, therefore, is essential to understand what the water of one type contains and what is predominantly contained in another.
In some cases, it may be sufficient to search for information on online websites, before going to the supermarket and sifting through all the packages. By visiting, for example, the website of Smeraldina water, as well as other well-known brands of drinking water, one can learn more about the origin of the product, how it is processed, whether it is also available sparkling or only natural, what elements it contains and what beneficial properties it has for the body. Having done this, one can proceed to a more conscious and informed purchase.
What role does water play in the body?
A large proportion of body weight is water. This percentage varies between 60% and 80% depending on whether we are referring to adults or children. It goes without saying, therefore, that water plays a very important role in the body and its proper functioning. Water actually helps regulate body temperature, facilitate digestion, eliminate waste through urine, transport nutrients and hormones to the cells, and keep the mucous membranes hydrated. For all these reasons, it is essential to take enough of it during the day. Needs clearly vary from case to case and from person to person; the need to drink more or less water may also vary depending on the season of the year.
Which elements make up drinking water
The mineral water we usually consume in bottles is basically divided into four types, which vary according to the fixed residue value. This element refers to the amount of minerals contained in the water. In particular, we speak of very mineral-rich water when the fixed residue value is over 1500 mg/litre. It generally refers to special, therapeutic waters, to be consumed under medical supervision.
The other three types of water, on the other hand, are commercial and vary from the lightest (50 mg/litre fixed residue), slightly mineralised (less than 500 mg/litre) and medium mineralised if the residue is between 500 and 1500 mg/litre. The first value to look at, therefore, when buying drinking water concerns precisely this value.
The classification of water, however, may also concern the predominant presence of one mineral over the others. In this sense, we can have acidulous, ferruginous, fluoridated, bicarbonate, sulphate and so on. These types can be clearly read on the label. Each of these will have a specific function for the health and well-being of the body.
Bicarbonate waters, for example, seem to be ideal for those who have a problem with excess gastric secretions or those suffering from kidney stones. Calcic waters, with a high calcium content, are very good for the elderly, who are prone to osteoporosis problems due to calcium deficiency. But they also seem very beneficial for pregnant women or during the child’s growth phase. Ferruginous waters are ideal for pregnant women and infants or those suffering from anaemia (here a study).
Clearly, reference is made not to therapeutic waters, but to types of water that, if consumed daily, can contribute to supplementing those minerals and nutrients suitable for the well-being of the body, in every age group and physical condition. Before opting for one or another type, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor to understand the importance of consuming and purchasing a particular type of water.