Water Techniques
2915 Daimler Street
Santa Ana, CA. 92705
Tel: (714) 384-4500
Fax: (714) 384-4505
FAQ
What about minerals: Do the Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Appliances remove them, and if so, aren’t they needed for health?
Many home water devices claim that they leave so called “beneficial” minerals in, considering it an advantageous feature. Distillers, on the other hand, claim they remove all “objectionable” minerals and consider it an advantage. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it? Consider the following:
Minerals in water exist as mineral salts or so called inorganic minerals. This form of minerals is not nearly as biologically acceptable to the human body as are the organic forms of minerals found in all foods and quality mineral supplements. Instead of existing in the salt form (e.g., calcium, carbonate, magnesium sulphate) the useful minerals in food are linked with proteins and natural sugars (e.g., zinc protein chelate, calcium lactate). Check the label on any quality mineral supplement and it will contain the organic mineral form for best assimilation.
Some inorganic minerals are harmful to human health and no water treatment process can separate those from the inorganic minerals that are not harmful. Examples of inorganic minerals that are harmful are sodium, nitrates, sulphates and toxic metals.
Excess inorganic minerals in water are responsible for bad tastes, salty tastes and metallic tastes.
Excess inorganic minerals are responsible for reducing the thirst quenching ability of water.
Excess inorganic minerals interact with almost every food and beverage, detracting from its flavor. That’s why virtually all packaged beverages, including soft drinks and beer, are made with water very low in inorganic minerals to insure the best flavor possible.
What many manufacturers of water treatment devices claim are “beneficial” inorganic minerals are actually regulated by the EPA to a recommended maximum level of 250 parts per million. Yet, in natural beverages this level of organic minerals is considered perfectly acceptable.
Even if minerals in water were in a good form, their amount is small compared to that found in foods. An 8-ounce glass of milk typically contains more calcium and magnesium than five gallons of water.
The bottom-line? Minerals like calcium and magnesium that exist in water are simply not easily assimilated by our bodies. In fact, less than 15% will actually be taken in as compared to over 80% from a glass of milk or good mineral supplement. Finally, if anyone is relying on their water to get their necessary minerals, there’s something sadly wrong with their diet!