Does Water Need Minerals to Be Good for You?

There are many different opinions surrounding minerals in water. Some people believe that the processes that remove the essential minerals from the water, like reverse osmosis and distilling, produce water that is worse for our health. However, on the other hand, people argue that these processes also remove the contaminants and toxins from water which outweigh the loss of minerals.

Is Water Without Minerals Healthy?

The Nutrient Data Laboratory carried out a study on the mineral content of tap water. They found that, on average, only four minerals in water contribute to the recommended daily mineral amount. They believe that removing the minerals in water has no real negative effect on human health because the mineral content was so insignificant to begin with and has no drastic effects on daily mineral consumption.

Water with no mineral content still hydrates the body and helps the body process minerals and vitamins from our food. Processes that filter and purify water are still seen as beneficial even though they remove the minerals because they also remove harmful contaminants, pesticides, and bacteria.

» Learn how hydration can help combat arthritis

The Essential Minerals in Water

When drinking water, the four main minerals that make up one percent of our daily intake are copper, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Some of the other minerals in water include iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and fluoride (which is added to drinking water to promote stronger teeth).

Minerals are still important to have in your water and positively impact your overall well-being. However, drinking water with no mineral content is not detrimental to your health.