Is it better to drink water with or without minerals?

November 12, 2025 •

5 min read

The human body is approximately 60% water, and adequate hydration is critical for survival. Yet, a common question remains: Is it better to drink water with or without minerals? The answer depends on individual health goals, dietary habits, and the water source, as both mineral-rich and purified waters have distinct advantages and potential drawbacks.

Quick Summary

This article explores the key differences between mineral and purified water, examining their sources, processing, and impact on health. It weighs the benefits of natural minerals against the purity of treated water to help determine the best option for your wellness and hydration.

Key Points

Mineral-rich vs. Purified: Mineral water contains naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals from a spring, whereas purified water is treated to remove all contaminants, including beneficial minerals.
Health Benefits of Minerals: The calcium and magnesium in mineral water can support bone and heart health, and contribute to electrolyte balance, especially after exercise.
Purity and Safety: Purified water is often safer in areas with known water contamination, as the filtration process removes harmful pathogens and chemicals.
Dietary Source Matters: For most healthy people, a balanced diet provides the majority of necessary minerals, making water's mineral content a secondary consideration.
Listen to Your Body: Factors like taste, personal health conditions (e.g., mineral restrictions), and local tap water quality are important for choosing the best water for consistent hydration.
Re-mineralize Treated Water: If you use a reverse osmosis system, you can add minerals back into the water with a remineralization cartridge.
Avoid Long-Term Distilled: Long-term, exclusive consumption of demineralized water like distilled water is not recommended, as it can lead to mineral deficiencies if your diet is lacking.

Mineral Water vs. Purified Water: Understanding the Differences

The fundamental distinction between mineral and purified water lies in their source and treatment. Mineral water is sourced from protected underground springs and must contain a consistent level of naturally occurring minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is bottled at the source and undergoes minimal processing to preserve its natural composition and taste. In contrast, purified water can come from any source, including tap water, and is processed extensively to remove contaminants, chemicals, and dissolved solids. This process, which can include reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization, also removes most beneficial minerals.

The Health Benefits of Mineral-Rich Water

Drinking mineral water offers several potential health benefits due to its naturally high mineral content:

Bone Health: Many mineral waters are rich in calcium and magnesium, two minerals vital for building and maintaining strong bones. Some studies suggest the body absorbs calcium from mineral water as effectively as from dairy products.
Heart Health: Research has linked magnesium and calcium intake to lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Drinking mineral-rich water may contribute to regulating blood pressure, especially in individuals with low levels of these minerals.
Digestive Function: The magnesium and sulfates in some mineral waters have been shown to help relieve constipation and support healthy digestive function.
Electrolyte Balance: The naturally occurring electrolytes in mineral water, like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, help the body regulate fluid balance and nerve function. This is particularly beneficial for rehydration after exercise.

The Case for Purified Water

While mineral water has its perks, purified water is often favored for its superior purity and safety, especially in regions with questionable water quality:

Removal of Harmful Contaminants: The rigorous purification process removes bacteria, viruses, pesticides, heavy metals, and other potentially harmful substances that can be present in source water. This makes it a reliably safe option for drinking.
Neutral Taste: For those who prefer a clean, neutral taste, purified water is often the best choice, as the purification process removes the minerals that can alter a water's flavor profile.
No Risk of Excess Minerals: Certain health conditions, such as kidney problems, require limiting mineral intake. Purified water provides hydration without the risk of consuming excess minerals.

Comparison Table: Mineral Water vs. Purified Water


Feature	Mineral Water	Purified Water
Source	Protected underground spring or well	Any source, including tap water, well water, or springs
Mineral Content	Naturally high in minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.)	Very low to no mineral content, as minerals are removed during processing
Processing	Minimal filtration; no chemical treatment or artificial mineral addition	Extensive filtration (reverse osmosis, distillation, etc.) to remove all impurities
Taste	Distinct, based on mineral composition and source	Neutral or flat taste
Cost	Often more expensive due to sourcing and bottling process	Generally less expensive, depending on the filtration method
Health Benefits	Provides essential minerals, supports bone/heart health	Safe and clean; no added minerals
Drawbacks	Potential for high sodium levels; microplastic risk in bottled versions	Lack of beneficial minerals; potential for acidic pH if not remineralized

Considerations for Choosing the Best Water for You

The choice between mineral and purified water ultimately depends on individual health needs, preferences, and available resources. A person with a balanced diet may not need to rely on water for their primary mineral intake, making purified water a perfectly suitable option. For those with dietary deficiencies or specific health concerns, the minerals in mineral water can provide a valuable supplement. Tap water quality should also be a major factor; in areas with compromised municipal water, purified water provides a safer alternative.

For most healthy individuals with access to safe tap water, both options are viable. If using a home filtration system that purifies water via reverse osmosis, consider a remineralization cartridge to add back beneficial minerals. Drinking mineral water can offer added nutritional benefits, but it should not be considered a substitute for a balanced, mineral-rich diet. As the World Health Organization notes, the minerals from our food sources are often more bioavailable. Ultimately, the most important aspect of hydration is consistent intake of a clean, safe water source, whether or not it contains minerals.

Conclusion

There is no single "better" choice between water with or without minerals; the ideal option varies based on individual needs. Mineral water provides a natural source of electrolytes that can support bone and heart health, while purified water guarantees the removal of contaminants, ensuring a pure and clean taste. For most people, a balanced diet provides the majority of essential minerals, making purified or well-filtered tap water a safe and economical choice. Those seeking specific mineral supplementation or who prefer the distinct taste may opt for mineral water. The best approach is to assess your personal health requirements, the quality of your local tap water, and your taste preferences to make an informed decision for consistent and healthy hydration.

Can you drink distilled water safely? A comprehensive guide

For a deeper dive into one of the most purified water types, explore the potential risks, benefits, and common uses of distilled water.

Note: This guide provides general information. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or water consumption, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Key Takeaways

Source and Treatment: Mineral water comes from natural springs with native minerals, while purified water undergoes extensive treatment (like distillation or reverse osmosis) to remove contaminants and minerals.
Minerals Are Bioavailable: The body absorbs minerals like calcium and magnesium from water effectively, and these can support bone and heart health.
Purity Over Minerals: In areas with poor tap water quality, purified water is a safer option, as it is free from harmful contaminants and chemicals.
Diet Is Primary Source: For most people, the minerals obtained from a balanced diet are sufficient, so relying on water for mineral intake is not necessary.
Distilled Water Lacks Minerals: Distilled water is a type of purified water completely stripped of minerals, which can lead to a flat taste and is not recommended for long-term sole consumption.
Hydration is Key: The most important factor is consistent hydration from a safe source, regardless of mineral content.
Personal Choice: The best water for you depends on your health needs, taste preferences, and local water quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While mineral water provides beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, purified water is valuable for its superior purity and removal of potentially harmful contaminants. For most people, a balanced diet provides the majority of required minerals.

Drinking distilled water as part of a balanced diet is generally safe, but relying on it as your sole water source long-term can lead to mineral deficiencies. The lack of minerals can also give it a flat taste, potentially reducing your overall water intake.

Mineral water's taste is influenced by its natural mineral composition, leading to a distinct flavor that varies by source. Purified water, having been stripped of minerals, typically has a neutral or 'flat' taste.

This depends on the quality of your tap water. Many tap water sources are safe and contain minerals. In contrast, bottled mineral water is bottled at the source and may contain higher, naturally occurring mineral content, but can be more expensive.

Electrolytes are essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that have an electrical charge and help regulate nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Natural mineral water contains these electrolytes.

High-purity purified water, created by processes like reverse osmosis and distillation, has very few to no minerals. Some purified water brands may add minerals back for taste and health benefits, so check the label.

If you use a water purifier that removes minerals (like an RO system), you can use a remineralization cartridge or add mineral drops. Alternatively, ensuring a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods provides ample minerals.