Water is life, but not all water is created equal. Its quality, mineral content, and treatment can significantly impact our health. Among the most vital elements in water are mineral salts—essential compounds that, although they make up just 4-5% of our body weight, play a crucial role in maintaining balance, energy, and overall well-being. Understanding their importance can help us make smarter choices about our daily hydration.
Mineral salts are categorised into macro-elements and micro-elements. Macro-elements, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are present in larger amounts and are essential for muscle contraction, nerve function, and bone health. We need these minerals in grams or tenths of grams daily. Meanwhile, micro-elements like iron, zinc, selenium, and iodine, although required in smaller amounts, are just as vital for immune function and energy production. The body requires them in milligrams or micrograms, with some classified as oligoelements if under 200 mg and micro-elements if below 100 mg.
While mineral salts are necessary for health, excess intake can be harmful. However, toxicity is rare with a balanced diet, making these elements a natural and beneficial part of our nutrition. Their presence in our drinking water makes it even easier to maintain proper levels without supplements or artificial means.
Throughout the day, our bodies lose mineral salts through sweat, digestion, and natural metabolic processes. Physical activity, hot weather, and stress increase this loss, making regular replenishment essential. Tap water is a simple and effective way to restore these minerals, as it originates from natural aquifers and springs rich in essential compounds. The specific mineral composition varies by location, but tap water undergoes rigorous checks and treatments, ensuring it remains safe and beneficial for daily consumption.
Filtering tap water at home provides an additional layer of convenience and sustainability. Instead of purchasing bottled water, which contributes to plastic waste, a simple filtration system can improve water quality while retaining beneficial minerals. These systems remove impurities, chlorine, and contaminants, enhancing both taste and safety. Chlorine, used to disinfect municipal water supplies, is regulated and safe but often leaves an unpleasant taste. A basic filtration system eliminates this issue, providing cleaner, fresher-tasting water straight from the tap.
In addition, household plumbing systems can introduce unwanted substances into water before it reaches our glass. Filtering water at the final stage ensures that potential residual particles from pipes are removed, offering peace of mind and an extra level of purity.
Mineral salts are essential for health, and drinking tap water is an easy way to maintain their balance. Filtering your water at home improves taste, reduces plastic waste, and ensures safe, high-quality hydration. Making the switch to filtered tap water is a simple yet impactful choice for both well-being and sustainability.
Strix Group plc (LON:KETL) is a global leader in the innovation, design, manufacture and supply of kettle safety controls, heating and temperature controls, steam management and water filtration technologies.
