Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water filtration process that removes almost all dissolved minerals and impurities from water. While this process can result in clean and pure water, it can also remove essential minerals that are beneficial to our health.
One of these minerals is magnesium, which is an important nutrient for our body. Magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves, and it is also involved in various biochemical processes in the body, including protein synthesis and energy production. Therefore, it is often recommended to remineralise reverse osmosis water with magnesium.
This involves adding magnesium back into the water after it has gone through the RO process, to improve its taste and nutritional value. Remineralisation can be done in several ways, including adding magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, or other forms of magnesium to the water. Some water filtration systems are designed with a built-in remineralisation stage that adds magnesium and other minerals to the water before it is dispensed. By remineralizing reverse osmosis water with magnesium, we can ensure that the water we drink is not only pure and clean but also contains essential minerals that are beneficial to our health.
Health Benefits
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Here are some of the health benefits of magnesium:
Supports bone health: Magnesium is a vital nutrient for maintaining healthy bones. It helps regulate calcium levels in the body and supports bone mineralisation, making it important for preventing osteoporosis and fractures.
Regulates blood pressure: Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure by relaxing the muscles that control blood vessels. Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Reduces inflammation: Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This may help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Improves sleep: Magnesium can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It is involved in the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Supports heart health: Magnesium is important for maintaining a healthy heart. It helps regulate heart rhythm, reduces inflammation, and supports blood vessel function.
Boosts mood: Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters that control mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. Studies have suggested that magnesium supplementation may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Supports muscle and nerve function: Magnesium is involved in the contraction and relaxation of muscles and the transmission of nerve signals. It is essential for maintaining healthy muscle and nerve function.
Overall, magnesium is an important nutrient that plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and wellness.
How does reverse Osmosis compare to tap water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) water is typically purer than UK tap water because it undergoes an intensive filtration process that removes almost all dissolved minerals and impurities, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. However, the level of purity of RO water can vary depending on the quality of the filtration system and the source water.
In comparison, UK tap water is regulated and treated to meet stringent quality standards set by the government, and is considered safe to drink. The water is treated with chlorine or chloramines to disinfect it and is often fortified with fluoride to promote dental health, which is another debate.
The mineral content of UK tap water can vary depending on the source, but it generally contains a range of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals can contribute to the taste and health benefits of the water. While RO water is very pure, it may lack essential minerals that are important for our health. Therefore, some people choose to remineralise RO water by adding minerals such as magnesium back into the water.
In the past, lead pipes were commonly used to supply water in the UK, particularly in older buildings. However, the use of lead pipes for water supply was banned in the UK in 1970, and the government has been working to replace lead pipes in the public water supply network ever since.
Despite the ban, some properties in the UK may still have lead pipes in their plumbing systems. This is particularly common in older buildings, where the original lead pipes may not have been replaced. Lead can leach into the water supply through these pipes, particularly if the water is acidic or if the pipes are corroded or damaged.
The UK government recommends that all homes built before 1970 should have their plumbing systems checked for lead pipes, and that any lead pipes should be replaced as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether your property has lead pipes, you can contact your local water company to request a water quality test or arrange for a plumber to carry out a survey.
To reduce the risk of lead exposure from drinking water, it is also recommended that you run the tap for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, particularly if the water has been standing in the pipes for a long time. This can help flush out any lead that may have accumulated in the pipes.
Overall, both RO water and UK tap water have their benefits and drawbacks, and the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and needs. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water, you can consider using a water filtration system that meets your specific needs.
We recommend a UF reverse Osmosis System with a Magnesium remineralisation, to benefit from great water, with health benefits.