Choosing the right mineral water: an essential guide for your health
Staying properly hydrated is not simply a matter of drinking at random. Your needs vary depending on your age, lifestyle and level of physical activity. This guide will help you better understand the different types of water and their mineral content, and make a choice that suits your daily life. Among these, Bonneval mineral water stands out for its natural mineral balance.
Why are minerals important?
Water contains essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, etc.) that can be directly absorbed by the body. Their concentration depends on the water’s geological origin, its path through the earth and the length of time it has spent underground. Highly mineralised water (more than 1,500 mg/L of dry residue) can supplement the diet or meet certain specific needs. It offers a real benefit for people suffering from digestive problems or nutritional deficiencies, as well as helping to provide the necessary daily intake of minerals.
Main minerals and benefits:
To better understand the benefits of mineral water, it is important to be aware of the main minerals it contains, as its composition can help prevent certain health problems.
- Calcium : bones, teeth, muscle contractions.
- Magnesium : nervous and muscular balance; reduces fatigue.
- Bicarbonates : digestion; neutralises acidity.
- Sulphates : digestion; liver.
- Sodium : rehydration, particularly for athletes (not to be confused with table salt).
Some mineral waters rich in bicarbonate or calcium may therefore help with stomach problems, particularly if they come from clearly identified sources.
Choosing the right option for your needs
Supporting fluid balance in pregnant women
Calcium (up to 1200 mg/day) and magnesium are essential. Choose water that is low in sodium to minimise water retention. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the label.
Boosting bodily functions in older people
To prevent bone demineralisation, water rich in calcium (150–300 mg/L) is ideal. Bonneval may be suitable for this purpose thanks to its naturally high calcium content and stability.
How to read a label
To protect your health, you should always read the labels carefully so that you can choose a water that suits your needs.
- Dry residue : indicates total mineral content.
- Key minerals : calcium, magnesium, sodium…
- Type : spring water or mineral water.
- Origin : opt for a pure, unspoilt spring, such as the Bonneval spring, situated in the heart of the Alps.
- Use-by date : although a use-by date is stated, bottled water may remain safe to drink for several years after this date. It can be drunk up to 5 years after the use-by date without any risk to health, provided the bottle has remained tightly sealed and has been stored in suitable conditions. Only the taste or the presence of any bubbles may be affected.
A water treatment or distribution plant may alter certain characteristics, which is why it is advisable to drink natural mineral water from reliable sources.
Tap water: regulated but variable
In France, tap water is strictly monitored in accordance with European Directive 2020/2184. However, in 2023, 25 per cent of the population was exposed to water containing levels of certain pesticides that exceeded regulatory limits. It is therefore important to consult the reports published by your Regional Health Agency (ARS) to find out about the quality of your local water.
The taste can also vary, particularly due to chlorine or limescale in tap water in certain geographical areas. Filters or jugs can improve the taste, but are not 100% reliable.
Spring water or mineral water: what’s the difference?
- Mineral water : its composition is stable, and it may contain varying amounts of minerals depending on its source. Some mineral waters, when sufficiently mineralised, can support specific bodily functions (bones, digestion, muscles, etc.).
- Spring water : also of natural origin, it is safe to drink as soon as it emerges. Its mineral content may vary slightly over time, depending on the seasons and changes in the spring. It is often used in everyday life, with a mineral content that may be higher or lower depending on its source.
In order to be labelled ‘spring water’ or ‘mineral water’, these waters must strictly comply with rules ensuring they remain unaltered, from the point of collection right through to bottling, in order to guarantee the purity and quality that characterise their natural origin.
Example : Bonneval mineral water, which comes from a natural spring in the Alps, has a remarkable mineral content acquired over 2,000 years of natural filtration through Alpine rock.
Choosing high-quality water also means prioritising reliable sources
Mineral waters must come from protected springs, with a stable and controlled mineral composition. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is essential to check the labels, particularly the use-by date and the mineral content. This way, you can be sure to enjoy the health benefits that each water has to offer, depending on your specific needs. A quick tip: Bonneval water is recognised as an exceptional natural mineral water on the French market.
How much should you drink each day for your health?
On average, between 1.5 L and 2 L a day, and more during physical exertion or in hot weather. Bonval fits naturally into this daily hydration routine and can help people maintain good health.
Making the right choice for your hydration
Choosing the water that best suits your hydration needs is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you opt for tap water or bottled water, it is important to consider the composition of each option.
It is crucial to choose a water that meets your requirements in terms of taste, mineral content and health benefits. Bonneval water, with its high mineral content, is an excellent choice.
