The global mineral-water industry generates hundreds of billions of dollars a year, marketing plastic bottles as a uniquely pure and healthy source. But behind the promises, the mineral composition in those bottles is not necessarily different from what comes out of an ordinary household tap.
What's really in the bottle
Is mineral water healthier than tap?
The bottled-water industry promises purity and health, but experts say there's no proof mineral water beats filtered or quality tap water, and the plastic may be doing more harm than good.
What you're drinking
For those who don't read product labels, which is most people, these are the main minerals found in bottled water sold around the world and in Israel:
Calcium: essential for building and maintaining bones and teeth.
Magnesium: a critical component for muscle function, the heart and the nervous system (and the main cause of limescale buildup).
Potassium: supports fluid balance in cells and their proper function.
Sodium: present in varying amounts depending on the spring source, and regulated according to international standards.
The mysterious "health" myth
Contrary to the prestigious health image of mineral water worldwide, professionals make clear there is no proof it is superior to filtered water or good-quality tap water. There are several reasons tap water may be preferable to bottled:
Loss of minerals: industrial filtration and purification processes designed to extend shelf life can actually cause the loss of essential minerals.
Chemical leaching: prolonged storage of plastic bottles in heat or sunlight during global shipping can lead to chemicals leaching from the plastic into the water.
Environmental and economic cost: producing billions of plastic bottles and transporting them creates environmental pollution and harms the environment, and production costs are far higher than for regular water.
Bottle vs. tap in Israel
Israel has a saturated and highly competitive mineral-water market, and in nearly every home it is customary to consume bottled water or filtered water through a home dispenser. At the same time, there is no definitive determination by the Health Ministry or any authorized body on its behalf that mineral water is healthier than regular tap water in Israel, which undergoes strict standard testing and usually contains a significant amount of calcium and magnesium, except in cases of very old household plumbing that requires special filtration.
It is important to note that the type of water you buy is not the only condition for a healthy lifestyle: the foundation of good health lies in combining proper nutrition and daily physical exercise with drinking plenty of water in its natural taste.
