APPENDIX VII: BOTTLED WATER

There is some confusion about the meaning of ‘mineral water’ which complicates the issue of bottled water. All tap-water, and any water from a spring or well, contains some mineral salts (calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron etc) dissolved in it. The composition of the water is affected by the sort of rock it percolates through, and some spring waters contain large amounts of minerals. At one time, it was believed that these waters had health-giving properties and they were marketed as ‘mineral waters’. (In fact, mineral-rich water is of little benefit to health, and some can be injurious to those with kidney problems.) Today’s bottled waters often come from the same springs and tend to be sold under the name ‘mineral water’ because this denotes that they are high-quality waters from a natural source. However, the most richly mineral-laden waters are not marketed, and those that are on sale are generally low in minerals – so they would not cause any health problems. A few brands are rich in sodium (eg Badois, Ramlosa) and should be avoided by those on low-sodium diets.

The main reason for buying bottled water now is not what it contains, but what it doesn’t contain. To a large extent it is free of the contaminants now found in most tap-water. Bottled waters are not treated with chlorine and, for the most part, contain far fewer nitrates. (Perrier is an exception. A Consumer’s Association survey showed that its nitrate content was almost as high as the maximum level permitted for tap water by the EEC, and twice as high as other mineral waters.) Because of the locations of the springs, bottled mineral water is unlikely to be contaminated by pesticides, industrial solvents and other pollutants. Bottled waters taste much better than most tap water, and are generally more palatable than filtered water as well.

Because they are not chlorinated,

bottled waters can foster large numbers of bacteria. Tests have shown very high levels in some brands. However, these are not harmful types of bacteria. Sparkling mineral water resists bacterial growth better than still water.

The price for still bottled water is about 90p to £1.30 per gallon. Sparkling mineral waters can cost up to £2.70. This makes bottled water very expensive, compared to filtered water, for long-term use.

*415\180\8*

Related Posts:

• STAGE 3 – RIGOROUS ELIMINATION DIET: THE EXCLUSION PHASE
• PREVENTING FOOD SENSITIVITY: BREAST-FEEDING
• FOOD PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN: DIARRHOEA IN BABIES AND CHILDREN
• FOOD INTOLERANCE: STAPLE CROPS

This entry was posted on Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 12:58 pm and is filed under Allergies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tags: Allergies

Leave One

You must be logged in to post a comment.