Here’s a wild fact: some mineral waters have been bottled at the source for centuries. The Roman Empire traded in mineral water. Emperor Napoleon III demanded his own supply. Basically, rich people have a long history of paying a lot for fancy rainwater.
Hydrate and Thrive, Remarkable Benefits of Mineral Water
And yet, your tap water probably contains more minerals after it’s filtered through municipal pipes. But tap water doesn’t come in a glass bottle with a French name and a label that looks like it was designed by a struggling poet.
One more surprising thing: a 2017 study found that high-calcium mineral water might actually reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women. So, in a roundabout way, that $4 bottle could help you avoid becoming a human Humpty Dumpty later in life.
The Bottom Line (and a Joke)
Mineral water hydrates you just as well as any other water. The extra minerals are a nice bonus, but they won’t transform you into a superhuman who never gets thirsty again. That would be inconvenient anyway—you’d miss out on the joy of drinking.
So drink your fancy mineral water if you like the taste, the bubbles, or the feeling of being vaguely aristocratic. But if someone tells you it’s “better” for hydration, just smile and nod. Then pour yourself a glass of tap water and whisper: “Same same, but free.”
And if you’re really desperate for an edge, eat a banana and drink a regular glass of water. That’ll do the trick without emptying your wallet or making you look like a guy who debates the merits of artisanal ice cubes.
Now go hydrate—with whatever liquid you can afford and actually enjoy. Your cells don’t care about your brand loyalty.
