Because it is more practical and hygienic, many people use bottled water for drinking and even cooking. In fact, not all bottled water is of good quality. In order to maintain your health, it is better to know how to choose bottled water that is safe for consumption.
Water is the main component needed by the body so that all organs and systems in the body function properly. If water intake is lacking, the body can become dehydrated which can cause a number of health problems.
To meet daily fluid needs, bottled water is the choice of most people because it no longer needs to be boiled, so it is considered more practical. Even so, be careful, not all bottled water is of good quality and suitable for drinking. So, you need to be more careful in choosing bottled water.
How to Choose Safe and Healthy Bottled Water
The following are some tips that you can apply in choosing bottled water that is safe for your health:
1. Pay attention to the information regarding the water source
There are various types of bottled water, ranging from glasses, and bottles, to gallons. However, the most consumed is bottled mineral water. Good quality mineral water comes from underground water sources or mountain springs that contain natural minerals.
As the name suggests, mineral water contains various minerals that are beneficial to the health of the body, such as calcium, potassium, sodium, fluoride, and magnesium.
In addition to the water source, the processing process in the production of mineral water also needs attention. Ideally, bottled mineral water has been processed using sophisticated technology, so that its mineral content is maintained and is not contaminated by harmful germs or chemicals.
2. Pay attention to the condition of the packaging
Make sure the drinking water packaging is in good condition, does not leak, and is still tightly sealed. Damaged packaging can indicate that the product is often exposed to hot temperatures for a long time or even exposed to hazardous chemicals so that water quality and safety are no longer guaranteed.
Choose products with packaging made of high-quality and environmentally friendly materials. Generally, bottled water is made of single-use plastic, which means that bottled water cannot be reused even though it is still in good condition.
3. Pay attention to the color, taste, and smell of the water
Water that is safe for consumption is water that is colorless or looks clear, has no smell, and has no taste. Avoid consuming drinking water that looks cloudy or smells bad because it is likely that the water has been contaminated with germs or harmful chemicals that can cause disease.
4. Check the expiration date
Unlike boiled drinking water, bottled mineral water has an expiration date. Before buying it, first, check the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Water in the bottle for too long may have decreased in quality and is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, avoid buying bottled water that is near or past its expiration date.
Safe Materials Used for Packaging Bottles
A safe material to use for bottled drinking water is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The chemicals in this type of plastic have been tested and found to not dissolve or leach into the water.
In addition, PET plastic can also be recycled so it is more environmentally friendly. Environmental pollution due to the accumulation of plastic waste can indirectly impact health because it can cause air pollution and global warming.
In an effort to reduce plastic waste, several drinking water companies have made innovations in their product packaging. One way is to remove the use of plastic seals on bottle caps.
Drink enough water is very important for maintaining your body’s health. In order for adequate water intake, it is recommended that you consume at least 8 glasses of mineral water or about 2 liters every day. If you sweat a lot during activities, drink more water so you don’t become dehydrated.
To be practical, always have bottled water nearby. However, don’t just choose bottled water products, OK? Pay close attention to the quality of the water and product packaging.
Leave a Reply