
Water life
We are made of water, our body is in fact 70% water.
Water has an essential role: it is the mode of transport for all substances that are exchanged in the various cells that make-up our organism.
In order to carry out these functions properly and maintain a healthy organism, the body’s water content must be constantly refurbished. The amount of liquid lost through perspiration, urine, and various other organic functions must be reintegrated. That’s why we have to drink often, and before we actually feel thirsty.
The consumption of water is also considered very beneficial in that doing so plays a very important physiological function, the integrity of our body’s tissues and a good balance of hydro saline, present inside each single cell of our organism. Natural mineral waters are classified on the basis of their iron and mineral salt compositions. The classified subdivisions are also necessary for the functioning of biological effects that have always been recognized in mineral waters and are:
Characteristics, Criteria, Reccomendations
Minimally mineralized
The mineral salts content should not be higher than 50 mg/l
For particular indications for example the reconstitution of milk for infancy
Spring Water
The mineral salts content should not be higher than 50 mg/l
Diuretic functions and anti-spastic functions
Rich in mineral salts
The mineral salts content is higher than 1500 mg/l
Recommended for those who lack calcium and magnesium and other minerals
Bicarbonate content
The bicarbonate content is higher than 600 mg/l
Functions as an anti-inflammatory in bicarbonate water that is alkaline. Aids the digestive processes and functions as an anti-spastic in bicarbonate water that is calcite
Sulfate
The sulfate content is more than 200 mg/l
Acts as an anti-spastic, anti-inflammatory, and is recommended for those who suffer from disturbances of the digestive and bile systems: a-specific chronic gastritis, irritable colon, simple chronic constipation, hepatic lithiasis, bilious dyskinesia, etc.
Calcium
The calcium content is more than 150 mg/l
An adult male has about 1000-1200grams of calcium in his body (800-900 gr. for an adult female) of which 90% is contained within the skeleton; the rest is contained within the cells and extra cellular fluids. The daily recommended dosage in various countries is 800-1000. It is recommended in the prevention of osteoporosis and hypertension.
Magnesium
Magnesium content above 50 mg/l
Magnesium is the fourth most important ion in the body’s organism and the second after potassium within the cells. It acts as an anti-spastic anti-inflammatory recommended for those who suffer from digestive disturbances and low levels of magnesium
Ferruginous
and Iron content Iron content above 1 mg/l
Recommended in cases of anemia and low iron levels
Acidulate
The carbon dioxide content is more than 250 mg/l
Recommended for chronic a-specific gastropathic hyper secretion
Sodium
Sodium content above 200 mg/l
Recommended for those who specifically lack sodium
Low sodium
Content water Sodium content is below 20 mg/l
Recommended for low sodium diets
Source Mineracqua: By Professor Antonio Boccia Lecturer at the University of Rome La Sapienza in Hygene.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE NATURAL AND MINERAL WATERS
Natural mineral water is recognized by its dissolved solids content (that is the amount of salts remaining in a liter of water after an evaporation at a temperature of 180oC expressed in milligrams per liter) its characteristic components, and by its level of health promoting properties as approved by the Minister of health based on chemical pharmacological tests.
HOW TO READ THE LABEL PROPERLY
1. Denomination and common name of a natural mineral water
Each label must be worded as “Natural Mineral Water” to distinguish it from other types of water, as well as its actual name
2. Place of Origin
Location in which the natural mineral water is bottled.
3. Minimum expiry date
Indicates the date to which the product maintains its specific properties in appropriate storage conditions, that is its self-life.
4. Lot
Indicates where the product arrives from and its process of bottling so that it can be traced back.
5. Chemical Analysis
Denominate the characteristic elements of each natural mineral water, expressed in milligrams per liter.
First of all check the so-called dissolved solid content; the lower it is the lower the content of mineral salts in the water. For spring water, the typical water consumed with ones’ meals, the content can be anywhere from 51 to 500 mg/l. Water with low dissolved solids is a more effective diuretic. Meanwhile those rich in mineral salts should be drunk under a physician’s attention or for specific therapeutic purposes.
Other factors, which require attention, are the sodium content. There is no maximum cut offs for mineral water, as opposed to tap water, and 1/3 of brands contain elevated quantities. For sufferers of hypertension, it is advisable to avoid water that has sodium content which is more than 200 mg/l.
Lastly, there is the concern with nitrates, which are present in all water, and in elevated concentrations can indicate contamination. The limits for mineral water are 45 mg/l, 10 mg/l for water consumed by children. However, be aware that rarely do labels show warnings such as “Not suitable for children” even when the limits are above 10 mg/l
6. Classification
Is based on the dissolved solids content.
7. Microbiologically pure
Attests to the total absence of dangerous germs and bacteria, which can be detrimental to ones health. They are indicators of contamination but do not exclude the possible presence of certain microbiological flora, which are naturally occurring and show that the natural mineral water has not been chemically treated.
8. Salient quality
Demonstrates favorable qualities as approved by the Minister of Health.
9. Net Quantity
Indicates the amount of natural mineral water in the container. The letter “E” indicates that the volume is according to European norms.
10. Bar Code
Provides legible indications for electronic scanners regarding the producer, and the sale of the product from its distributor.
11. Environmental Wording
Sentences or pictograms that suggest we dispose of the containers in the appropriate receptacles and respect the environment.
12. Suggestions for the proper storage of the product
Allows for the natural mineral water to maintain it original characteristics.
Four ways to drink
Treated Water
Tap water
What is it: Comes from a municipal water cistern and is distributed via the normal water works system. According to the territory, it can come from rivers, lakes, water stratum or it can be desalinated seawater.
Characteristics: In order to make it drinkable, it must be more often than not treated. Usually such treatments are highly chemical, based on where the water originates. There are precise limits however, as opposed to mineral water, for the so-called dissolved solids content.
Good to know: The taste, that is the taste of chlorine, is what usually prevents most people from drinking tap water. The disinfectants used to make the water drinkable can produce harmful substances.
Purified Water
What is it: Is drinkable water, which usually comes from a water cistern but has been improved. It is treated with special filters that remove undesirable substances and unpleasant odors and tastes.
Characteristics: They make up the category of “draught water” which is served in many restaurants in decorative glass bottles, such as pure water but cannot have a label, which claims that it is mineral water.
Good to know: As of yet there are no precise norms that regulate the use of such systems in restaurants.
Non-treated water
Mineral Water
What is it It originates in water bearing stratum or in underground beds, and at its source it must be microbiologically pure. It must also be regulated according to various laws and decrees of which the first dates back to 1916.
Characteristics It does not undergo any kind of disinfecting treatments. It follows rules, which are different from those for drinkable water, which contains minerals and other substances.
Good to know Water rich in minerals can have counter effects, which are not made evident on the label and therefore one should consult their physician prior to consumption. As for nitrate, the maximum admissible concentration is 45 mg/l, and 10 mg/l for infants.
Spring water
What is it It has been in use in Anglo-Saxon countries for quite some time but was introduced in Italy as a commercialized product by decree in 1999.
Characteristics It must be microbiologically pure at its source much like regular mineral water, but must respect the hemical criteria of drinkable water: in other words it cannot contain minerals in elevated quantities. It can be found in bottles of various sizes example 5 liters or 1 liter.
Good to know Some brands of mineral water have been taken off the market and have since reappeared as new brands of spring water. It is an expanding market.
Useful tips for consumer
• Water should always be stored in well-sealed containers and kept in a clean, cool, dark, dry place away from strong odors.
• Once the bottle has been opened, make sure to close it properly in order to maintain its original properties.
• In a bar or restaurant always ask to see the bottle in its original state and make sure that it is properly sealed or have it opened and served in your presence.
• Avoid the use of ice, which can alter the taste of the water and can also contaminate the water’s original purity.
• Never pour mineral water into pitchers for hygienic reasons as well as to avoid confusing it with regular tap water.
• Do not use the empty water container for other liquids: it can be dangerous in case of mistaken or accidental consumption.
• After the use of a plastic bottle flatten it length-wise and put the cap back on. This will help in the process of recycling.
• Remember that the words mineral and microbiologically pure are restricted to and exclusively used for natural mineral water.