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Minerals in water
Listed below are some minerals which are commonly found in our water
sources.
Fluoride: Most water suppliers add fluoride to their water in order to
prevent cavities and assist in the development of healthy teeth in
children. But it should only be consumed in reasonable amounts, which
would be under 4 mg/L. Since the mid-1980s when most water suppliers
added fluoride to their water, tooth decay has vastly declined. However,
you should monitor the fluoride levels in children because levels over 2
mg/L harm their developing adult teeth when they have not yet emerged
through the gums. You should check with your local water supplier to
determine if fluoride is being added to your water.
Calcium: It is not just milk or orange juice that may provide us with
the calcium we need, but one-third of the RDA of calcium may be supplied
with eight glasses of water. The RDA for adults is 1,000 to 1,200 mg of
calcium per day. We need calcium in order for our teeth and bones to
develop properly. Calcium can also help prevent osteoporosis and other
bone diseases. Some of the other benefits of calcium include blood
coagulation, regulating nerve transmission and muscle contraction. It
can also prevent rectal and gastric cancer and death from heart disease,
especially in women. Sodium: Because of salt deposits found underground
and in sea water, sodium occurs naturally in water supplies. It may also
be added to homes or water supplies to make hard water softer. It is
also used for purification of water. People with high blood pressure
should not drink water with high sodium content, as it could cause the
blood pressure to increase. However, the water and sodium is not
dangerous if moderate amounts are consumed. This would be under
approximately 3,000 mg per day. Sodium in moderate amounts is needed to
balance fluid levels in our body, as well as to transport nutrients.
Magnesium: Magnesium is generally contained in hard water. The
recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium is approximately 300-400
mg of magnesium. In some areas, the RDA can be met in the water you
drink. A person needs more magnesium as he grows older and if he is
under stress. Among other needs, magnesium is necessary for controlling
muscle contractions, metabolizing protein, coagulation of blood and for
producing energy. If a person does not get enough magnesium, it may lead
to high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Magnesium is also essential in
preventing diseases. It is extremely beneficial in drinking water for
people with diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction heart disease
(especially women) as it may even prevent their deaths. It can prevent
cerebrovasuclar disease and gastric cancer.
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