Regular intake of mineral-rich water, high in sodium bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, potentially reduces risk of Metabolic Syndrome and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Researchers conducted an experiment involving Sprague-Dawley rats, an animal model representing Metabolic Syndrome. For eight weeks, the rats consumed a diet that consisted of 10% fructose. They were also provided with a hypersaline sodium-rich naturally sparkling mineral water to drink. The saline water contained high levels of bicarbonate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, in comparison to standard tap water, which was used as a control.
The study observed various parameters, from heart rate to plasma triacylglycerols and insulin levels. It also studied hepatic (liver-based) catalase activity, leptin levels, and the weight ratios of different organs to body weight. Moreover, it took into consideration the performance of the liver's antioxidative functions by examining hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione content.
The experiment aimed to determine the effects of the mineral-derived salts in the water on these various aspects of the rat's health, and how they might mitigate the effects of the fructose-enhanced diet that simulated the physiological conditions of Metabolic Syndrome.
Within the results, the scientific team found the intake of mineral-rich water attenuated the increases in heart rate, plasma triacylglycerols, leptin levels, hepatic catalase activity, and organ weight to body weight ratios that were induced by fructose. Furthermore, it prevented the reduction of hepatic glutathione peroxidase activity and oxidized glutathione content. Therefore, the team concluded that the mineral water seemed to have the potential to counteract the effects of the fructose diet, preventing the onset of Metabolic Syndrome. They suggested regular intake of such water could help improve metabolic and redox health.
