Bottled Water: What's the Difference?
While there are many different types of bottled waters on the market, is one any better than another? That depends on your needs and your taste preferences. Read on to learn the differences between the most popular options.
Spring water: This type of water comes from natural springs that get their water from underground geological formations. The water can be collected directly from the spring or it can be extracted through a tap.
Purified water: Added steps to the purification process results in water that is reportedly lighter, cleaner, and more easily absorbed into the body than spring water. More impurities and dissolved solids are reportedly taken out of water that is purified than through the standard filtration process.
Mineral water: Some of the dissolved solids (sulfur, salts, gasses) that are typically removed are left in mineral water, or are added through an additional process. The minerals are believed to help cleanse the system and have restorative health properties.
Artesian water: To qualify as artesian, water must come from a well that taps into an underground layer of rock or sand.
Sparkling water: This bubbly water is filled with carbon dioxide, giving it a pleasant fizz similar to that of sodas and ginger ale.
Electrolyte-infused water: Electrolytes—salts that are essential for proper muscle and nerve function—are commonly found in sports drinks, and have found their way into some brands of bottled water. The electrolytes can help remove toxins and excess waste materials that pollute the system.
Flavored water: Tired of plain water? Several brands on the market have added flavor—citrus, berry, etc.—designed to keep your taste buds entertained. Some do this without adding any calories, but most add a negligible amount (5 calories or less per serving).
Oxygenated water: Added O2 makes the water bubbly, which supposedly helps people feel fuller—making these waters attractive to people who are trying to suppress their appetites and shed pounds—and also can aid in muscle recovery post-workouts. Oxygen waters tend to have a heavier taste and a thicker consistency that regular H20.
Tap water: In most areas that draw from a municipal water supply, fluoride has been added to reduce tooth decay. However, fluoride is a toxen so don't rely solely on tap water. Most bottled waters fail to add fluoride, and those that do don’t always add enough to make a difference.
If you’re concerned about your oral health or that of your family, check water bottle labels carefully and opt for brands that have the most fluoride.
Spring water: This type of water comes from natural springs that get their water from underground geological formations. The water can be collected directly from the spring or it can be extracted through a tap.
Purified water: Added steps to the purification process results in water that is reportedly lighter, cleaner, and more easily absorbed into the body than spring water. More impurities and dissolved solids are reportedly taken out of water that is purified than through the standard filtration process.
Mineral water: Some of the dissolved solids (sulfur, salts, gasses) that are typically removed are left in mineral water, or are added through an additional process. The minerals are believed to help cleanse the system and have restorative health properties.
Artesian water: To qualify as artesian, water must come from a well that taps into an underground layer of rock or sand.
Sparkling water: This bubbly water is filled with carbon dioxide, giving it a pleasant fizz similar to that of sodas and ginger ale.
Electrolyte-infused water: Electrolytes—salts that are essential for proper muscle and nerve function—are commonly found in sports drinks, and have found their way into some brands of bottled water. The electrolytes can help remove toxins and excess waste materials that pollute the system.
Flavored water: Tired of plain water? Several brands on the market have added flavor—citrus, berry, etc.—designed to keep your taste buds entertained. Some do this without adding any calories, but most add a negligible amount (5 calories or less per serving).
Oxygenated water: Added O2 makes the water bubbly, which supposedly helps people feel fuller—making these waters attractive to people who are trying to suppress their appetites and shed pounds—and also can aid in muscle recovery post-workouts. Oxygen waters tend to have a heavier taste and a thicker consistency that regular H20.
Tap water: In most areas that draw from a municipal water supply, fluoride has been added to reduce tooth decay. However, fluoride is a toxen so don't rely solely on tap water. Most bottled waters fail to add fluoride, and those that do don’t always add enough to make a difference.
If you’re concerned about your oral health or that of your family, check water bottle labels carefully and opt for brands that have the most fluoride.
