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The Effects of Drinking Hard Water

Hard water is tap water that contains a higher-than-normal quantity of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water leaves lime and mineral deposits on pipes and fixtures that can be difficult to remove. In addition, cleaners like body soap, dish washing liquid and laundry detergent do not work as well in hard water. However, drinking hard water over a period of time can have positive effects on your health.

  1. Bone Health

    • Drinking hard water can be good for your health. Because hard water contains a relatively high concentration of calcium, drinking it can increase the presence of this essential nutrient in your diet. Calcium helps strengthen bones and teeth in adults and children.

    Blood Sugar Levels

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, the mineral magnesium is also vital to bone health, keeps our hearts beating regularly and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Drinking magnesium-rich hard water is an easy way to get a little more of this essential mineral in your diet.

    Possible Heart Benefits

    • There may be a correlation between long-term drinking of hard water and a lower mortality rate for cardiovascular disease. This could be a result of the minerals found in the water, although the National Research Council indicates that so far any possible links between cardiovascular disease mortality reduction and drinking hard water are inconclusive.

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