Water covers most of our planet and also makes up a big part of the human body. But only about 2.5% of all water on Earth is fresh. Most of this fresh water is locked away in ice caps and glaciers, leaving less than 1% available in lakes, rivers, and underground sources. Out of this, only about one-third can actually be used by people. In India, where people lead active lives and enjoy varied diets, natural mineral water stands out as a top choice for healthy drinking water. This water comes from protected underground aquifers, keeping its minerals stable and in forms that the body can absorb better compared to regular bottled water.
Before choosing the best natural mineral water from trusted brands, it’s good to know that these waters differ mainly by their mineral makeup. Based on this, natural mineral water is categorized into types like sulphate mineral waters, bicarbonate mineral waters, chloride mineral waters, magnesiac mineral waters, calcic mineral waters, fluorurate mineral waters, sodium-rich mineral waters, and ferrous mineral waters. Each type has its unique mineral balance that gives it distinct qualities.
Understanding Natural Mineral Water Classification
Natural mineral waters are classified mainly based on their mineral content, which is measured by the fixed residue left when the water is evaporated at 180°C. This mineral concentration ranges from very low, with less than 50 mg per litre, to rich mineral waters, having more than 1500 mg per litre. The European Directive 2009/54/EC provides official criteria for these classifications, covering eight key types of mineral water. This directive ensures that natural mineral water comes from protected underground sources with consistent mineral composition and high purity.
This classification system helps consumers pick the right type of mineral water according to their personal health needs and preferences—whether for digestion, bone health, or other benefits. Importantly, natural mineral water must maintain a stable mineral content at its source and cannot have minerals artificially added. Only limited treatments to remove unstable elements like iron or sulphur can be done, without altering the essential mineral makeup.
The 8 Essential Types of Natural Mineral Water: Classifications and Health Benefits
1. Bicarbonate Mineral Waters
Bicarbonate Mineral Waters have over 600 mg per litre of bicarbonate and are usually cold, alkaline, and low in overall minerals. They typically come from limestone-rich underground areas, often naturally fizzy, and act as a gentle diuretic. These waters help neutralize extra stomach acid, raise stomach pH, speed up digestion, and promote digestive hormone release—making them great for easing indigestion and acid reflux. They also create a milder alkaline environment inside the body that can reduce bone breakdown markers, especially in people with enough calcium in their diet. Additionally, drinking bicarbonate-rich waters has been shown to lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, reduce blood sugar after meals, and lower aldosterone levels, which supports healthy blood pressure and heart function. All these benefits make bicarbonate mineral waters an excellent choice for daily hydration that supports digestion and overall metabolic balance.
2. Sulphate Mineral Waters
Sulphate mineral waters contain more than 200 mg of sulphate per litre, often combined with magnesium or sodium. They come from geological layers rich in gypsum, which naturally gives these waters a gentle, non-irritating laxative effect. When you drink sulphate waters, they help bring water into the colon through osmosis, making bowel movements easier and alleviating constipation. These waters also support bile production and improve gallbladder function, helping to dissolve biliary sludge and manage related digestive issues.
Beyond digestion, sulphate waters are valuable for overall health—sulphate is an essential nutrient needed for fetal development, activation of enzymes, cellular respiration, and cartilage formation. Because of these benefits, they are especially useful during pregnancy and for supporting liver health. Scientific studies show that regular consumption of sulphate-rich waters can lead to lowered blood pressure, improved bowel movement, and better liver and gallbladder function.
Sulphate mineral waters are a natural, gentle way to promote digestion, detoxification, and vital bodily functions, making them a good choice for daily hydration and health support.
3. Chloride Mineral Waters
Chloride Mineral Waters have chloride levels above 200 mg per litre, usually combined with minerals like sodium, calcium, or magnesium. These waters come from saline underground sources and offer a balanced mix of electrolytes. Drinking chloride mineral water helps stimulate your intestines to move and push out waste, improving digestion and relieving sluggish bowels. They also help the liver by promoting bile flow, which aids in fat digestion and detoxification. After exercise, these waters replenish the salts lost through sweat. Additionally, chloride is essential for making stomach acid needed to break down proteins and keep the body’s acid-base balance steady. Because of these benefits, chloride mineral waters are great for digestive health, recovery after physical activities, and overall digestive system support in mineral-rich water choices.
4. Calcic Mineral Waters
Calcic Mineral Waters contain more than 150 mg of calcium per litre, coming from sedimentary rocks rich in calcium. These waters are often combined with bicarbonate or sulphate, which helps improve alkalinity and calcium absorption. The calcium in these waters is highly bioavailable, sometimes even more than that found in dairy products. Drinking calcic mineral water can increase bone strength, lower markers related to bone breakdown in postmenopausal women, and help prevent osteoporosis.
Calcium also supports important body functions like nerve signals, muscle contractions, blood clotting, and maintaining healthy blood pressure. These waters create an optimal pH balance that aids bone mineralization. They provide a low-calorie, natural source of calcium, which is especially beneficial for teenagers, pregnant women, older adults, and people who cannot consume dairy. Calcic mineral waters are therefore considered an excellent choice in natural mineral waters for supporting strong bones and overall skeletal health.
5. Magnesiac Mineral Waters
Magnesiac Mineral Waters contain more than 50 mg of magnesium per litre and come from dolomite-rich underground sources, often combined with sulphate to boost their health benefits. Magnesium helps relax arterial smooth muscles, which can ease cramps, premenstrual discomfort, and constipation by drawing water into the intestines and supporting muscle function. These waters also improve how the body processes fats and proteins, reducing the risk of heart disease. They help relax the Oddi sphincter, which improves bile flow to support liver and digestive health. Additionally, magnesiac mineral waters provide support for women’s health, easing menopausal symptoms and helping prevent bone loss after menopause. Overall, these waters promote muscle function, heart health, and wellness, making them a valuable addition to daily hydration.
6. Fluorurate Mineral Waters
Fluorurate Mineral Waters contain fluoride levels above 1 mg per litre, with limits set at 1.5 mg per litre for children to avoid excess intake. These waters come from fluorspar-rich deposits and offer controlled amounts of fluoride that help strengthen tooth enamel by remineralizing it. This reduces dental cavities by 20 to 40 percent in children. Fluoride also supports bone mineralization safely, and promotes healthy skeletal development in growing kids. When combined with calcium, fluoride works to boost both dental and bone health, making fluorurate mineral waters a smart choice for maintaining oral care as part of daily hydration.
7. Ferrous Mineral Waters
Ferrous Mineral Waters contain more than 1 mg of iron per litre, coming from iron-rich underground sources. They can be acidic and contain arsenic or be neutral with a haemopoietic effect, depending on their composition. These waters provide highly absorbable iron, often helped by trace minerals like copper and zinc, making them effective against iron-deficiency anaemia, especially in pregnancy and vegetarian diets. Drinking ferrous mineral water boosts haemoglobin and myoglobin, improving oxygen transport and energy levels, which helps reduce fatigue. The iron also supports muscle function and has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit people with chronic upper respiratory issues. Overall, ferrous mineral waters serve as a natural tonic to enhance vitality and wellbeing.
8. Sodium-Rich Mineral Waters
Sodium-Rich Mineral Waters contain over 200 mg of sodium per litre, mostly bound to bicarbonate to avoid any risk to blood pressure. These waters come from evaporite deposits and are great for restoring electrolyte balance after heavy sweating or intense physical activity. They help improve insulin sensitivity and lower markers related to metabolic syndrome, especially in postmenopausal women. Sodium in these waters supports proper cell function and nerve signals. For those managing hypertension, low-sodium mineral water options with under 20 mg per litre are available, offering heart health benefits without raising blood pressure. This makes sodium-rich mineral water an excellent choice for endurance, metabolic health, and overall hydration.
Daily Intake Recommendations for Mineral Waters
Adults need about 1.5 to 2 litres of water every day, but this can vary depending on age, activity level, and the climate they live in. When starting with a specific type of mineral water, aim for about 1 litre daily and adjust according to your body’s needs. For example, if you want bone support, drinking about 1.5 litres of calcic mineral water can help. It’s a good idea to rotate between different types of mineral water during the week to get a balanced intake of minerals. Always combine your water intake with a healthy diet and watch out for any unusual reactions or effects.
Safety and Quality Standards in India
Natural mineral waters in India must comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications under IS 14543, as well as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. These standards ensure that the water is microbiologically pure, free from harmful contaminants, and accurately labelled with source details and certifications. When purchasing packaged bottled water, always look for the BIS certification mark (ISI mark) and clear information about the water’s source on the label. This guarantees that the water meets strict quality and safety requirements, is hygienically processed, and safe for consumption. Choosing brands that comply with these standards helps protect consumer health and ensures reliable product quality in the Indian market.
Jivo Natural Mineral Water: A Premium Choice in Mineral-Rich Drinking Water
Jivo Natural Mineral Water is a premium choice among mineral-rich waters in India, sourced from the pristine Himalayan region. It is bottled directly at the source from deep underground aquifers, ensuring it remains pure and free from contamination. Jivo offers a naturally balanced mineral composition with essential elements like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in optimal proportions. This balance supports the body’s acid-base equilibrium and digestion while providing a refreshing taste. The water meets India’s highest quality standards with BIS certification, assuring safety and purity. Additionally, Jivo is available in eco-friendly packaging options, including recyclable PET and glass, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of natural mineral water helps align your hydration habits with specific health goals—whether it’s strengthening bones, supporting digestion, or promoting heart health. For a trusted daily essential, Jivo Natural Mineral Water offers pure, balanced hydration sourced from the Himalayas, delivering nature’s finest minerals with every sip. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and elevate your wellness journey with every drop you drink.
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