Is spring water synonymous with mineral water ?
All mineral water is spring water, but spring water is not always mineral water. Even if there is a fine line between the two, there is a difference between spring water and mineral water.
Initially, spring water and mineral water refer to pure water that comes from a natural source such as groundwater or a deposit and does not have to undergo any chemical treatment. Most of the time, it is bottled for retail distribution.
The distinction between the two lies in their mineral and trace element composition. Mineral salts and trace elements come from rocks that are essential for the body to function properly, and are natural micronutrients present in water. Mineral salts (calcium, sodium and magnesium) are found in relatively high quantities in the body, while trace elements (iron, zinc and fluoride) are more discreet.
For spring water to qualify as mineral water, its composition in mineral salts and trace elements must be unchanging over time to guarantee a consistent taste. The French National Academy of Medicine must also recognise this water as beneficial to health. This is particularly true of Bonneval mineral water, which has health-promoting properties thanks to its stable mineral composition.
What are the characteristics of sparkling and carbonated water ?
Still water becomes sparkling when it contains more than 250 mg/L of carbon dioxide. If its content exceeds 1000 mg/L, it is considered to be strong sparkling water. Sparkling or carbonated water is made from mineral water to which carbon dioxide has been added, naturally or otherwise. In this way, the carbon dioxide is transformed into bubbles when the bottle is opened.
However, there is a subtle difference between sparkling water and carbonated water:
- Natural sparkling water is made up of carbon dioxide obtained directly from the spring in which the water and the gas coexist.
- Carbonated mineral water (or sparkling water) is originally still water to which manufacturers artificially add carbon dioxide at the bottling stage.
Sparkling water is generally richer in minerals (magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, etc.) and bicarbonates than still mineral water. The antacid properties of some of these waters have the advantage of facilitating intestinal transit, swallowing and oesophageal transit. It is recommended for people with digestive problems.
Sparkling or carbonated water is becoming increasingly popular with consumers, thanks to its widespread availability on supermarket shelves. The bubbles that make up sparkling or carbonated water give it extra pleasure on the palate. These stimulate the taste buds and trigger a chemical reaction on the palate. Many people prefer to drink sparkling or carbonated water rather than still mineral water, which they find too bland and unentertaining.
Which water should I choose for my health ?
Spring, mineral, sparkling and carbonated waters are all characterised by their naturally-occurring trace element and mineral content. Low mineral content waters are generally used for their diuretic effect and are therefore recommended for people suffering from kidney stones and high blood pressure. Waters rich in calcium are mainly recommended for teenagers, pregnant women, the elderly and people suffering from osteoporosis. If you suffer from constipation, sulphur waters with a laxative effect are recommended.
Whatever your choice, the different types of water are equally good. They all provide micronutrients, minerals and trace elements in natural doses. It’s more a question of preference: some people prefer highly mineralised water without bubbles, while others choose low mineral content sparkling or carbonated water. The important thing to remember is that you need to drink enough water every day, i.e. at least 1.5 litres a day.
Bonneval mineral water is perfect for all diets. It springs naturally from the earth’s surface. With its stable chemical composition, it is not treated to make it drinkable, nor is any chemical additives added for consumption. No human presence is required, which enhances its original purity. It remains the only water in France to have health-promoting properties. It undergoes regular checks throughout the process, from catchment to bottling, to guarantee optimum quality. Our range of products based on Bonneval mineral water awaits you impatiently for a tasting of refinement and delicacy.
