Nutritionist Albana Daka, in an interview with Anabel.al, explains the difference between the types of waters, their values and what impact they have on human organization and the prevention of various diseases.
Water is a vital element without which we cannot do. Currently in our country, but I believe in the world most people consume bottled water. The perpetual dilemma remains how to choose the water we consume.
There is a dramatic reason why water is considered the 21st Century "Blue Gold". Our body has 75% water during childhood, 60% in adults and about 50% in third age. From these%, the existential importance of a healthy organism can be seen only when water resources are abundant and safe.
A safe water is called one, which is microbiologically pure and contains the right amount of elements and mineral salts dissolved in it, has slightly acidic Ph, (6-6.8), has 25-26 oxidation, and most dry residues less than 300mg / L.
In our daily lives, we hear about light water and hard water. Where do these two types of waters differ from each other?
Heavy or lightweight? We give the right weight to the water.
The so-called "light" waters are less mineral rich than others, which are defined as "heavy". "Light water" and "Heavy water", both have the same specific weights.
In general, Mineral Water is, for the human body, one of the main sources of supply of some mineral salts that the body loses during daily activity (not just sports).
There are precise measurements that allow to identify and specifically measure water quality. For example is the dry residue, which indicates the "solid" part of the water, namely the amount of mineral salts present, after complete evaporation of the water at a temperature of 180 ° C. The higher this value, the more minerals dissolved in one liter.
There is a general presumption that hard water is heavy water for the body and difficult to assimilate. How is the truth based on scientific studies?
It is definitely a misconception because hard water is considered as such, due to its rich content of mineral salts and other elements useful for one's body and health. But this does not mean at all that it is heavy water and difficult to assimilate to the organism. On the contrary, the minerals and elements contained in it are essential for the body and for a better life.
In childhood until puberty the body's needs for mineral salts are very important to meet as the bone during this period gains its hardness and not getting enough of these mineral salts (specifically calcium) leads to weakening of the porous bone. (panatella), which unfortunately creates cracks and can result in serious injury afterwards.
You mentioned an element called "dry waste". Can you explain a little more clearly what this waste is and is it harmful, or beneficial to health?
"Dry residue" is the amount of dissolved mineral salts that natural mineral water has, depending on soil characteristics. These mineral elements can be distinguished by boiling 1 liter of water at 180 °. The evaporation of water will notice the minerals in the water that make up what is called "dry waste". Based on the World Health Organization guidelines, the optimal "dry residue" values in drinking water are 150 - 300 mg / l.
How can citizens distinguish these types of waters that you mention and that have value for their health? Are the labels that have the water placed on the packaging an accurate orientation and how important is it for consumers to read these labels?
The best way to figure out which water to choose is without a doubt reading the labels if bottled water is used and if filtered tap water is used, citizens need to be informed about the quality of the filters used and to ensure that the fact is they are not consuming a "purely pure" water but also with mineral salts.
Fluoride - Most bottled water is not fluoridated. This should be considered if bottled water is to be used by infants.
Calcium- On the one hand people claim to get poor water in Calcium due to the risk of kidney stones formation and on the other hand they take calcium as a supplement to increase bone hardness.
Sodium- You have to be careful with the amount of sodium if you have hypertension.
If you are on a low sodium diet, look for water labeled as "low sodium" or "no sodium".
Bicarbonates- Bicarbonate -rich water is a solvent and helps neutralize the pH of the gastric mucosa. Not recommended for people prone to generate gases due to CO2.
Is it true that a mineral-rich water helps prevent dangerous diseases?
Due to its unique composition of minerals and organic components, natural mineral water can provide several health benefits.
May promote bone health: Adequate calcium intake is important for bone health at all stages of life, as it helps bone development and maintenance. Mineral water has been shown to be a good source of calcium. In fact, studies have shown that your body can absorb calcium from mineral water just as well, perhaps even better than it absorbs calcium from dairy products.
May help lower blood pressure: Research suggests that inadequate levels of calcium and magnesium may contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Given that mineral water can be a good source of both of these nutrients, drinking it can help lower blood pressure levels, especially in people who have elevated levels.
Can Benefit Heart Health: Sparkling mineral water can also protect against heart disease. Two studies of post-menopausal women found that drinking 0.5-1 liters of carbonated mineral water per day significantly lowered triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
Can Help With Constipation Problems: Magnesium-rich mineral water can also help prevent and treat constipation. Research has shown that magnesium draws water into the intestines and relaxes the intestinal muscles. Combined, this makes the snouts smoother and easier to pass.
