Health Benefits of Mineral Water

Mineral water contains dissolved minerals which occur naturally in groundwater. Many people like drinking this type of water for health benefits. Some also like bathing in thermal mineral springs for stress relief and for lessening symptoms of certain disorders. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are the minerals usually found in mineral water.

Calcium Absorption

Calcium in mineral water can helpful for people unable to drink milk because of lactose intolerance. A study by H. Bohmer cited in PubMed showed that calcium absorption from drinking high-calcium mineral water is at least comparable to that from consuming dairy products.

Bone Density

In a 1996 study published in Calcified Tissue International, drinking high-calcium mineral water also has been shown to decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Cardiovascular Health

A study published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2008 pointed out benefits of drinking mineral water for cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Drinking mineral water can lower the bad low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, and increase the good high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol, according to a study published in 2005 by the "British Journal of Nutrition."

Hot Springs

Research is inconclusive on the benefits of mineral hot springs except for stress relief. However, certain parts of Europe and Japan see much popularity for hot springs therapy for treatment of fibromyalgia, arthritis and digestive issues.

Resources

• Mineral water and cardiovascular health
• Health benefits of magnesium in mineral water