With the variety of bottled water companies available nowadays, it can be difficult figuring out which one to buy. There are several types of bottled water, from natural spring water to artesian water, and making a choice can often be daunting. Here are a few factors to consider to help you purchase a brand or type of water that’s ideal for you!

What is inside your bottled water?

When buying water, it is important to know which minerals belong in your water and which don’t. The elements that should be in your bottled water are sodium, calcium, and magnesium. These are all naturally occurring elements that are found in all types of water. Sodium concentration in natural spring water can be anywhere between 20 mg/l and 250 mg/l, the ideal bottled water should have around 17 to 20 mg of sodium per liter. Furthermore, adequate calcium intake is essential for achieving peak bone mass and subsequent prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium concentration can vary from one type of water to the other. Similarly, magnesium has many benefits, it helps with your immune system, heart rate, blood glucose levels, and production of energy and protein!

However, bottled water companies often add extra chemicals such as fluoride, nitrates, and chlorine that can be extremely harmful to your health. According to Harvard Public Health, fluoride does not belong in drinking water and can be harmful to our health. Similarly, in higher concentrations, nitrates can lead to oxidization of iron in blood cells, therefore hindering their oxygen-carrying abilities. Chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter are considered safe in drinking water, anything more than that can be detrimental for you. 

What is the source of the water?

As of right now, there are around 400 bottled water companies in the US. With this variety in choice, you should consider whether your water was bottled from a natural source or not. Types of drinking water include artesian, mineral, spring, and sparkling. The choice is dependent on your preference. Some people prefer spring water because it contains natural minerals and is considered healthier in comparison to other options, but many think minerals improve the flavor as well. On the other hand, many choose artesian water because of its rich concentration of natural minerals and because it is considered contamination-free. According to a recent study, mineral water is a pretty effective solution for boosting your mineral intake. Lastly, many people enjoy sparkling water due to its interesting bubbly flavor, and also because it improves digestion.