Magnesium
Hard water is indicative of the presence of higher levels of magnesium. Magnesium controls muscle
contraction, protein metabolism, blood coagulation, and energy production, among other vital tasks. Failure to
take in enough magnesium over time leads to high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
That said, not only does this mineral aid in body functions, it can also help prevent disease. Studies
show that magnesium in drinking water protects against the deaths of patients with diabetes mellitus, and
prevents the development of cerebrovascular disease. Magnesium also lowers the risk of fatality from acute
myocardial infarction (heart disease), particularly in females. In high-risk patients, magnesium is recommended
to protect against gastric cancer.
Calcium
Areas with hard water are known to provide as much as
one-third of the RDA for calcium per eight glasses of drinking water. Adults should consume 1000-1200 mg of
calcium per day. Sure, we think mostly of milk and even orange juice to obtain this essential mineral, but it
can also be found in our water supply.
The human body needs calcium to develop strong teeth and bones. With that,
calcium can combat osteoporosis and other bone disorders. It also helps
in regulating nerve transmission, blood coagulation, and muscle contraction.
Calcium intake through water sources is shown to protect against death from acute myocardial infarction
(heart disease), especially in women. It also protects against rectal and gastric cancers.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every
cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical
reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing,
helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc also supports normal
growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Phosphorous
Phosphorus is required by the body for bone and teeth
formation. Calcium alone can't build strong bones and tissues. New research shows calcium needs phosphorus
to maximize its bone-strengthening benefits, and taking a lot of calcium supplements without enough phosphorus
could be a waste of money.
Phosphorus allows proper digestion of riboflavin and niacin, aids in transmission of nerve impulses,
helps your kidneys effectively excreting wastes, gives you stable and plentiful energy, forms the proteins that
aid in reproduction, and may help block cancer. Researchers say it's the first time the two elements have been
shown to be co-dependent for bone health. Both calcium and phosphorus are found naturally in dairy products, but
most calcium supplements and calcium-fortified foods and beverages don't contain phosphorus.
Iron
Iron, one of the most abundant metals on Earth, is essential
to most life forms and to normal human physiology. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that
maintain good health. In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport.
It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits
oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral that is also known
as an electrolyte. The term electrolyte refers to a substance that dissociates into ions (charged particles) in
solution making it capable of conducting electricity. The normal functioning of our bodies depends on the tight
regulation of potassium concentrations both inside and outside of cells.
Magnanese
Manganese is a mineral element that is both nutritionally
essential and potentially toxic. The derivation of its name from the Greek word for magic remains appropriate
because scientists are still working to understand the diverse effects of manganese deficiency and manganese
toxicity in living organisms.
Manganese (Mn) plays an important role in a number of physiologic processes as a constituent of some enzymes
and an activator of other enzymes. It also aids in bone development, wound healing, and your metabolism.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is required by every
cell in the body for normal function. The majority of the phosphorus in the body is found as phosphate (PO4).
Approximately 85% of the body's phosphorus is found in bone.
