Calcium is a mineral that is necessary for life. In addition to building bones and keeping them healthy, calcium helps our blood clot, nerves send messages and muscles contract. About 99 % of the calcium in our bodies is in our bones and teeth.

Calcium is used in so many ways throughout the body. It is necessary for contracting muscles, forming and strengthening bones and teeth, conducting nerve impulses throughout the body, clotting blood, maintaining a normal heartbeat, as well as other important processes.

Calcium needs increase during different life stages such as teenage years and in later years (women over 50 years old and men over 70 years old). Insufficient calcium in your body increases your risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones lose calcium and become fragile.

A new study, conducted by a team of researchers at Leibniz University Hannover in Germany and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, suggests that drinking mineral water can be a good way to get calcium. The study actually goes on to say that dinking mineral water could be seen as a low calorie alternative to taking calcium supplements or drinking milk in order to fulfil your daily calcium requirement.

According to Theresa Greupner of Leibniz University Hannover, “The special feature of mineral water as a source of calcium is as a calorie-free alternative to milk and dairy products. In a world with a steadily growing number of overweight and obese people it is important to reduce the energy intake and to promote alternatives to satisfy the calcium demand apart from high caloric milk and dairy products.”

Drinking water is critical to keep your body hydrated and in good health, so making some of what you drink during the day mineral water seems to be a rather good idea on both fronts.