Oligomineral water is a frequent topic but is still not fully understood by many consumers.
We all know that drinking at least two litres of water a day is good for our bodies, but perhaps not everyone knows that it’s important to choose carefully the type of water we drink. You certainly agree: at the supermarket we are usually in a hurry and grab the first pack we see, or perhaps the one that is on sale, thinking that they are all the same.
Nothing could be more wrong! The best solution is to choose the type of water that is specific for your needs and metabolism. We are indeed all different from one another and our bodies’ needs are just as different.
Oligomineral water is the most common. It’s also known as “table water” and it’s characterised by a TDS (Totally Dissolved Solids) level between 50 and 500 mg per litre and by a low mineral content.
But what is the difference between mineral, oligomineral and minimum mineralised water? Which are the different benefits? Let’s find out together how to choose the right type of water!
Oligomineral water: meaning
The oligomineral waters have a fixed residue between 50 and 500 mg/l.
It means that they are perfect for everyday consumption, being a cross between those with high values (with few minerals) or low (with many minerals).
Difference between hard and soft water: the different types of mineral water
Mineral water can be divided into four categories.
The first one includes highly mineralised water, that has a TDS level equal or higher than 1,500 mg/L. The second is medium mineralised water, with a TDS level between 500 and 1,500 mg/L. Then there’s oligomineral water that, as we have said, is the most common, and, lastly, minimum mineralised water, which has a TDS level lower than 50 mg/L.
According to common sense, water is always mineral because, even if in very small quantities, it contains a certain amount of minerals that make up the TDS.
That is to say the solid part made of the minerals that remain in one litre of water after evaporation at 180 degrees.
So remember to read the package label, since it’s compulsory to specify this figure.
Because of a commonplace, those who are more health-conscious often choose minimum mineralised water, but it’s not necessarily the best: it all depends on the functioning of one’s body. Of course, if you are prone to develop kidney stones, it’s preferable that you choose oligomineral water, which, as everyone knows, promotes diuresis. But, for instance, those who need a certain mineral intake (just think of those who practise sports, or growing children, or the elderly, whose bones tend to become weak) should choose a higher mineralised type of water.
To simplify things, we can gather the four categories above into two groups: soft water, that is water with a low residue, which has got only one ion, sodium, and hard water, that is water with a higher mineral concentration, mainly calcium and magnesium.
Of course, taste is a relevant factor too. Light water can taste saltier and not as “good” as hard water, and you also need to drink much more of it to quench your thirst. Whereas hard water is more enjoyable to drink and immediately quenches your thirst.
As mentioned earlier, you should prefer one or the other depending on an overall view of your diet and health issues. Higher mineralised water aids digestion but can be a risk factor for the above-mentioned kidney stones, and can also dehydrate the skin and hair in the long term. Whereas oligomineral water, since it cleanses the body more, is perfect for those who cannot ingest large quantities of minerals (those who suffer from high blood pressure, for instance). Not only, this type of water is often recommended by pediatricians for preparing formula milk or diluting cows’ milk in infants’ diets.
Generally speaking, excluding particular needs and medical conditions, for which it’s always best to consult one’s doctor, an alternated consumption of soft and hard water is preferred, in order to benefit from both and limit the risks of abusing one or the other.
However, also pay attention to other substances that can be found in bottled water!
First of all nitrites, which are toxic substances that bind to haemoglobin and are particularly dangerous for infants; nitrites indeed hinder oxygenation and thus cause respiratory distress. By law they cannot exceed 0.02 mg/L.
Nitrates, on the other hand, are caused by an excessive use of chemicals when fertilizing fields, and are obviously absorbed by groundwater.
Lastly, a long-standing problem has to do with arsenic. It has been labelled as a category 1 (thus certain) carcinogen by the IARC (the International Agency for Research on Cancer), but the legislator hasn’t established any obligation for producers to specify arsenic content on labels.
A dive where the water is bluer: you will find the perfect water for you at Re Maurì
Re Maurì has always paid great attention to its customers’ needs. Our rich menu born from chef Lorenzo Cuomo’s creativity and our wine cellar that boasts over 800 labels both local and international presented by maître sommelier Roberto Adduono are combined with a careful selection of oligomineral, minimum mineralised and medium mineralised water. This way we guarantee water for very taste and need, in the case of medical treatments that impose the consumption of a particular type of water.
At Re Maurì you will find professionalism, passion for cooking, kindness and a dreamlike location, which were awarded a Michelin Star, the guarantee of the quality of our business.
You will be able to savour our delicious dishes on the open-air terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast sea, or enjoy the interiors furnished with elegance and sophistication. Our restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, a birthday or just a relaxing moment with your friends: the suggestive nature and the warm atmosphere we have created will make your stay a unique experience that you will look forward to repeat.
Book a table now at Re Maurì with a 24-hour notice at least. You can either fill in this form or call us at 089 – 76 33 687.
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