Is Polar Mineral Water Healthy? What You Need to Know

Despite a massive rise in popularity, some carbonated water brands have been found to contain trace levels of 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), raising health questions. So, is Polar Mineral Water healthy, and does it provide the same benefits as natural mineral spring water?

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the health profile of Polar beverages by distinguishing between seltzer and mineral water. It examines their respective mineral content, potential dental effects, and risks like contaminants, providing an overview of what makes each option healthy.

Key Points

• Seltzer vs. Mineral Water: The common US brand 'Polar' sells seltzer, which is filtered water with added carbonation, not natural mineral water with naturally occurring minerals.

• Polar Seltzer's Health Benefits: Unflavored Polar Seltzer is a zero-calorie, zero-sodium beverage, making it a very healthy alternative to soft drinks and a good source of hydration.

• Dental Health Considerations: The carbonation in any sparkling water, including Polar Seltzer, is mildly acidic and can potentially erode tooth enamel over time, though it is far less damaging than soda.

• Natural Mineral Water Benefits: True mineral water can offer additional health benefits from naturally absorbed minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support bone and heart health.

• Potential Risks and Variations: Some mineral waters can be high in sodium, and all bottled waters carry a concern for microplastics. Check labels carefully to choose the best option for your health needs.

The Critical Distinction: Polar Seltzer vs. Natural Mineral Water

The most important step in understanding the healthiness of "Polar Mineral Water" is to recognize that the popular American brand, Polar Beverages, primarily markets seltzer, not natural mineral water. This is a common point of confusion for consumers. A true mineral water, as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, must come from a protected underground source and contain at least 250 parts per million of naturally dissolved solids. Polar Seltzer, on the other hand, is filtered water to which carbon dioxide is added artificially. The health implications and nutritional profiles of these two product types are distinct, and understanding the difference is crucial for making an informed choice.

The Health Profile of Polar Seltzer

Polar Seltzer is often celebrated as a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks, and for good reason. The basic product contains zero calories, zero sodium, and zero sweeteners. It is simply water and carbonation, with natural fruit essences in flavored varieties. This makes it an excellent choice for hydration, especially for those who find plain water unappealing. However, it's not without potential downsides.

• Dental Erosion: The carbonation in sparkling water creates carbonic acid, which is slightly acidic and can potentially erode tooth enamel over time with excessive consumption. While far less damaging than soda, it is a factor to consider for frequent drinkers. Rinsing your mouth with plain water afterward can help mitigate this risk.
• PFAS Contamination: A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that several sparkling water brands, including Polar, contained measurable levels of PFAS, or "forever chemicals". Polar Seltzer has since addressed this concern by installing new reverse-osmosis filtration systems and claims to filter to levels significantly lower than the lowest recommended standard. For the health-conscious consumer, this is a noteworthy past issue that highlights the importance of staying informed about water source and purification methods.

The Health Profile of True Mineral Water

Natural mineral water offers its own set of unique health considerations due to its mineral content. These waters absorb various minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium from the earth as they flow through underground geological formations.

• Bone Health: Mineral waters naturally high in calcium and magnesium may help improve bone density, especially in postmenopausal women. Some studies suggest that the body can absorb calcium from mineral water just as effectively as it does from dairy products.
• Heart Health: Some research indicates that consuming mineral water rich in magnesium and calcium may contribute to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels. However, some mineral waters are naturally high in sodium, which could be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure who need to monitor their intake.
• Digestive Health: Magnesium sulfate in mineral water acts as a laxative, and studies have shown that magnesium-rich mineral water can improve bowel regularity and relieve constipation. For those with functional dyspepsia (indigestion), carbonated mineral water may also provide relief.

Is Polar Mineral Water Healthy? A Comprehensive Comparison

Feature	Polar Seltzer (Common in US)	Natural Mineral Water	Regular Tap Water
Source	Filtered and carbonated tap water	Protected underground spring source	Varies by municipality/region
Carbonation	Artificially added CO2	Naturally occurring or artificially added	None (still)
Mineral Content	Essentially none (filtered)	Naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc.	Variable; depends on source and treatment
Sodium	Zero (unflavored)	Variable, can be high in some brands	Variable, generally low
Calories/Sugars	Zero (unflavored)	Zero	Zero
Dental Impact	Potential for minor enamel erosion over time	Potential for minor enamel erosion (if sparkling)	Low risk, non-carbonated
Common Risks	Trace PFAS concern (historic)	Microplastics from bottling, potential for high sodium	Public supply contaminants and additives

How to Choose the Healthiest Bubbly Water for You

Choosing the healthiest option depends on your specific health goals and preferences. For those seeking a zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and zero-sodium alternative to sugary drinks, Polar Seltzer is an excellent and readily available choice, as long as you are comfortable with its artificial carbonation and flavorings.

If you want the benefits of naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, you should seek out a true natural mineral water and carefully check the label. For example, some brands like Malaysia's Polar Natural Mineral Water advertise their mineral content directly. However, be mindful of the sodium content, which can vary significantly between brands.

Potential Downsides and How to Mitigate Them

To maximize the health benefits and minimize risks, consider these points:

1. Read Labels: Always check the nutrition label for sodium levels, especially if you have blood pressure concerns. For flavored options, ensure they do not contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
2. Moderate Sparkling Intake: Excessive intake of any sparkling beverage can harm tooth enamel over time. Moderation is key, and drinking alongside meals or rinsing with plain water afterward can help.
3. Consider Container Type: Concern over microplastics leaching from plastic bottles is a consideration with all bottled water products, including mineral water. Opting for brands that use glass bottles or choosing to carbonate tap water at home are good alternatives.
4. Stay Informed: For ongoing concerns like PFAS, look for brand-specific information and commitments to filtration, as Polar Beverages has done. Authoritative sources can provide information on tap water quality in your area.

Conclusion

So, is Polar Mineral Water healthy? The short answer is yes, with the critical clarification that the common US brand is seltzer, not traditional mineral water. Polar Seltzer is a very healthy beverage option, offering calorie-free, sugar-free hydration with a satisfying fizz. Natural mineral water provides additional benefits from its mineral content but requires careful label checking due to varying levels of minerals and sodium. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize simple, bubbly refreshment or naturally occurring mineral supplementation. Ultimately, both are excellent alternatives to sugary sodas and contribute to staying hydrated.

References

• https://www.health.com/mineral-water-7775419
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324910
• https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-mineral-water
• https://polarbeverages.com/about/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/water-quality/whats-really-in-your-bottled-water-a5361150329/
• https://polarseltzer.com/wp-content/uploads/Commitment-to-Water-Quality.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Polar seltzer the same as mineral water?

No, Polar Seltzer is not the same as natural mineral water. Polar Seltzer is made by artificially carbonating filtered water, whereas true mineral water must come from a natural spring with naturally occurring minerals.

Does Polar seltzer have any nutritional value?

The basic, unflavored versions of Polar Seltzer have no calories, no sodium, and no sugar. While they provide excellent hydration, they contain no significant minerals because the water is filtered.

Does the carbonation in sparkling water damage your teeth?

Excessive consumption of carbonated water can potentially erode tooth enamel due to its mild acidity. However, this effect is far less significant than with sugary sodas, and you can reduce the risk by drinking in moderation or rinsing your mouth with plain water.

What is the concern about PFAS in sparkling water?

A 2020 Consumer Reports study found trace levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in some sparkling waters, including Polar Seltzer. Polar Beverages has since stated they have implemented advanced filtration to address this concern and reduce levels.

Can natural mineral water be high in sodium?

Yes, the mineral content, including sodium, varies greatly depending on the natural source of the water. It's important to check the nutrition label if you are on a low-sodium diet.

Is mineral water good for bone health?

Yes, mineral water with high levels of calcium and magnesium can contribute to better bone health and density. Studies have found that the body can effectively absorb these minerals from the water.

Do Polar seltzers contain hidden sugars or sweeteners?

No, the Polar Seltzer line is made without sugar, sweeteners, or sodium. Their flavors come from natural fruit essences.

How does mineral water compare to tap water nutritionally?

Mineral water can have higher and more consistent levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium compared to tap water, whose mineral content varies widely by region. The natural source and bottling process give mineral water its distinct nutritional profile.