Have you ever wondered why some water tastes crisp and refreshing, while other water seems flat and boring? The answer lies in the minerals in the water. These tiny but powerful compounds don't just affect taste—they can also strengthen your bones, support your heart, and help your body function at its best.
Whether you drink tap water, filtered water or bottled water - if you know which minerals are in the water and how they affect your health, you can turn every sip into a step towards greater well-being.
What minerals are important for water?
Minerals in water are naturally occurring dissolved elements that originate from the Earth's rocks and soil. As water flows through underground springs, rivers, and aquifers, it absorbs important compounds such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
Think of water as nature's transport system for these vital nutrients. The mineral content of your drinking water depends on its source and treatment. Spring water from mountainous regions often contains different minerals than water from coastal areas.
Why minerals are important for your health
Are minerals in water good for you? The answer is yes. Your body needs these minerals to function properly. They contribute to building strong bones, ensure your heart beats regularly, and maintain nerve function. According to the World Health Organization (2009), calcium and magnesium in drinking water play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and supporting bone health, highlighting their importance to public health. While food provides most of your daily mineral needs, drinking water can supply 3-7% of the recommended daily allowance of important minerals like magnesium.
Here you can learn what minerals do for the body:
- They are already dissolved and ready to be absorbed by the body.
- You receive them every time you drink water throughout the day.
- They work together with other nutrients in your body.
- They help maintain the correct water balance.
Important minerals in drinking water
|
Mineral |
Typical area |
Health benefits |
Taste Effect |
|
Calcium |
10-80 mg/L |
Bone strength, heart health, nerve function |
Smooth, slightly milky |
|
Magnesium |
5-30 mg/L |
Blood pressure control, muscle function |
Slightly bitter |
|
Sodium |
5-30 mg/L |
Fluid balance, nerve signals |
Crisp, salty |
|
Potassium |
1-5 mg/L |
Heart rhythm, muscle control |
Sweet undertones |
|
Bicarbonate |
50-400 mg/L |
Digestive health, pH balance |
Light, sparkling |
Essential minerals that your body needs most
Calcium is one of the most important minerals, such as the calcium found in drinking water. Your bones and teeth contain 99% of your body's calcium and are therefore crucial for bone density and strength. Studies show that postmenopausal women who drink calcium-rich water have better bone health than women who do not.
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 enzyme reactions in your body. This important mineral supports heart rhythm, helps control blood pressure, and promotes muscle recovery. Minerals like magnesium in water may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Potassium works closely with sodium to maintain fluid balance and support proper nerve function. Minerals like potassium help ensure your heart beats regularly and your muscles contract smoothly.
Health benefits of mineral water
A large and constantly growing number of scientific studies confirm the numerous health benefits of drinking mineral water and highlight its positive effects on bone health, the cardiovascular system and digestion.
Bone Health
Clinical studies show that consuming mineral water with sufficient calcium content – usually at least 20 to 30 mg/l – is beneficial.L - can lead to a measurable improvement in bone density. This effect is particularly important for postmenopausal women and older adults, who are at higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The calcium and magnesium naturally present in the mineral water contribute to strengthening bones and promote long-term skeletal health.
Benefits for the cardiovascular system
Several studies in the US, Europe, and Russia have shown that people who drink hard water with a high content of minerals such as calcium and magnesium are less likely to suffer from heart disease. These minerals contribute to heart health by naturally regulating blood pressure, improving the elasticity of blood vessels, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, maintaining a regular heart rhythm, and improving endothelial function—the inner lining of blood vessels, which is crucial for healthy circulation and the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Support digestion
In addition to its benefits for bones and the heart, bicarbonate-rich mineral water can support digestion by buffering stomach acid and reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. The alkaline minerals naturally contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive environment and offer gentle relief for those prone to acid-related discomfort.
Overall, regularly drinking mineral water is a simple and effective way to supplement your intake of essential minerals and support long-term cardiovascular health, stronger bones, and better digestive health. For people seeking natural health benefits, choosing mineral-rich water over mineral-poor or soft water is a simple, scientifically proven lifestyle adjustment.
Who benefits most from mineral-rich water?
Everyone has different mineral requirements:
Athletes and active people: They need additional magnesium and potassium for muscle regeneration and hydration. Trace minerals help replace what is lost through sweat during exercise.
People with high blood pressure: They should look out for low-sodium products, but may benefit from a higher magnesium content to help control blood pressure naturally.
Pregnant women and adults over 50: They need more calcium to support bone health during critical life stages when bone density changes.
People with restricted diets: They can absorb important minerals through water if their food choices do not provide enough nutrients.
Research suggests that adequate hydration combined with mineral intake from water may also help alleviate menstrual discomfort and improve women's overall well-being, highlighting the general benefits of consuming mineral-rich water (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2019).
Types of mineral water springs
Knowing where your water comes from allows you to determine which minerals you are getting:
Natural spring water
Spring water flows from underground sources and naturally absorbs minerals from the rock and soil. This creates natural mineral water with a unique mineral profile based on the local geology.
Artesian water
Artesian water, drawn from deep underground aquifers, often contains a consistent mineral content and fewer surface contaminants. The pressure of the subterranean forces naturally pushes this water to the surface.
Gletscherwasser
It is generally very pure water with a low mineral content. Some glacial meltwater picks up trace minerals as it flows over rocks, while other waters remain quite soft.
Remineralized filtered water
Purified water to which minerals are added after filtration. This method combines the purity of advanced filtration with the health benefits of essential minerals. The Frizzlife reverse osmosis filter, for example, has a remineralization function during filtration that can restore important and health-promoting minerals to the water.
Mineral water vs. tap water
Choosing between mineral water and tap water is a common decision for many people. Both hydrate the body, but they differ in terms of source, mineral content, taste, and potential health benefits. Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your needs.
- Source: Mineral water is naturally sourced from springs or wells and contains naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Tap water comes from the municipal water supply and is treated to meet safety standards, but its mineral content can vary.
- Mineral content: Mineral water has a consistent and measurable content of valuable minerals. The mineral content of tap water varies greatly depending on the region and treatment method and can sometimes have a low content of important minerals.
- Taste: Due to its mineral content, mineral water often has a distinct, pleasant taste. The taste of tap water can vary and sometimes contains chlorine or other additives that impair the taste.
- Purity and treatment: Mineral water is usually bottled and tested for purity, but the quality depends on the source. Tap water undergoes rigorous treatment and disinfection to ensure safety, but may contain traces of impurities or additives.
- Health Benefits: Mineral water provides essential minerals that are good for bones, heart, and digestion. Tap water primarily serves as hydration but may not contain enough minerals unless it is supplemented or is naturally rich in minerals.
DIY Mineral Enrichment: Safe Ways to Add Minerals
Simple methods to remineralize your water
You can turn ordinary water into mineral water at home using safe methods:
Trace element drops: Add 2-4 drops per 8 ounces of water. These concentrated solutions contain minerals and trace elements in a balanced ratio.
Himalayan salt: A tiny pinch (1/8 teaspoon per liter) adds minerals such as sodium, magnesium and trace elements in smaller quantities.
Electrolyte powders: Choose unsweetened varieties that focus on minerals and electrolytes, not flavorings.
Safety guidelines
- Follow precise dosage instructions – more is not always better.
- Start with small amounts to see how your body reacts.
- Choose products that have been specifically designed for drinking water.
- Avoid DIY methods with random mineral supplements.
Choosing the right mineral water for your needs
Taste preferences guide your choice
Water with a high mineral content tastes more robust and full-bodied. If you like a fresh, pronounced taste, you should look for waters with higher calcium and magnesium content. If you prefer a neutral, mild taste, you should opt for water with a moderate mineral content.
Health-based selection
Tailor your choice of mineral water to your health goals:
- Low sodium requirement: Choose waters with less than 20 mg/l sodium.L sodium
- Bone health is key: Ensure a calcium content of at least 100 mg/L
- Heart health support: Aim for 25-50 mg/L magnesium
- Athletic Recovery: Find balanced electrolytes, including potassium
Reading mineral water labels
Pay attention to these important details:
- Mineral breakdown in mg/L for each important mineral
- Water information on source and location
- Certification labels from health or quality organizations
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Avoid products that make unproven health claims about "alkaline detoxification" or "ionized benefits" without scientific support.
How water filtration affects minerals
The challenge of filtration
Many water filtration systems remove both harmful impurities and beneficial minerals. Reverse osmosis water offers excellent purity but removes almost all minerals. This results in very pure water lacking the essential minerals your body needs.
Water filters work differently:
- Carbon filters remove chlorine and improve the taste, while retaining most minerals.
- Reverse osmosis removes almost everything, including healthy minerals
- UV filters kill bacteria but do not affect the mineral content
Solutions for filtered water
If you use filter systems that remove minerals, you can safely add minerals to your water:
Remineralization filters: They automatically add important minerals to the filtered water when you use it.
Mineral drops: A controlled way to add minerals to your daily water. Look for drops that contain trace minerals and electrolytes.
Mineral sachets: Disposable packets that dissolve in water to restore mineral levels.
Why is it important to remineralize reverse osmosis water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) effectively removes impurities, but it also depletes important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Remineralizing reverse osmosis water is important because it:
- Restores contains vital minerals that support bone health, heart function and overall well-being.
- Improves taste, making the water more refreshing instead of bland or flat.
- Balances pH values that neutralize the slight acidity after RO filtration.
- Supports hydration and electrolyte balance for good muscle and nerve function.
- Protects sanitary and household appliances by reducing the risk of corrosion caused by mineral-free water.
In short, remineralizing RO water improves its health benefits, taste, pH balance, and protects your home's plumbing, making it an important step after cleaning.
Sustainability in your choice of mineral water
Environmental aspects
Consider these factors when making an environmentally friendly choice:
- Bottled water packaging - glass recycling vs. plastic waste
- Transportation: Distances from the water source to the warehouse
- Company commitments to carbon neutrality
- Local vs. imported spring water options
Balance between health and environment
Filtered water with remineralization offers an environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water, while preserving its mineral content. Home filtration systems like the Frizzlife RO filter with remineralization function deliver pure water with essential minerals while reducing packaging waste.
Summary: Smart choices for mineral water
Minerals in water are far more than just a matter of taste – they're your daily opportunity to support bone strength, heart health, and optimal hydration. From choosing the right mineral water brands to safely adding essential minerals to filtered water at home, knowing your options allows you to make choices that benefit both your health and your taste buds.
The key lies in finding the right balance of minerals in water for your specific needs, whether through natural spring water, remineralized reverse osmosis water, or carefully selected bottled water options. With this knowledge, every glass becomes a step towards better health.
For daily hydration: Choose moderately mineralized options that taste good and encourage you to drink water regularly.
For health goals: Tailor the mineral content to specific needs, e.g. bone health (more calcium) or heart health (balanced magnesium).
For budgetary reasons: Consider home remineralization systems, which allow you to add minerals to your water at a low cost.
For the environment: Weigh the health benefits of mineral water against the impact of packaging and transport.
FAQs
Which minerals should I add to my water?
It is particularly important to add the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium to water. Ideally, the calcium content should be between 100 and 200 mg/liter, the magnesium content between 25 and 50 mg/liter, and the potassium content between 1 and 5 mg/liter. These vital minerals offer numerous benefits for our bodies: they strengthen bones, protect the heart, and ensure better hydration. Furthermore, adequate supplementation with trace elements such as zinc and copper can greatly enhance your health.
Which minerals are best in drinking water?
Among the best minerals in drinking water are calcium for bone strength, magnesium for heart health and blood pressure control, and potassium for muscle function. A balanced mineral profile with 20-30 mg/L Calcium and 10 mg/L According to research studies, magnesium offers optimal health benefits.
How can you remineralize your water?
There are several practical methods for mineralizing reverse osmosis water: You can install a remineralization filter, such as the Frizzlife RO system, which is quite good; you can also add trace element drops to the water, usually every 8 ounces of water plus 2-4 drops; or adjust the sugar-free electrolyte powder, and then add a small pinch of high-quality salt, which also works. But always remember to use the product according to the instructions to ensure the amount is safe.
How do minerals help the body?
Minerals nourish the body in a variety of ways. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, magnesium promotes more than 300 enzyme reactions, potassium stabilizes the heart rhythm and ensures proper muscle function, and sodium contributes to fluid balance. Trace elements such as zinc and copper are also particularly important for vital physiological processes like immune regulation and wound healing.
What are the 3 most important minerals in the body?
The three most important minerals in the human body are calcium, magnesium, and potassium! Calcium not only supports bones and teeth but also helps transmit signals to the nerves; magnesium is responsible for muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and even energy production; potassium is responsible for stabilizing the distribution of body fluids, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. These minerals are essential for our daily health; without them, the body cannot function properly!