2020 may be the year to hydrate yourself and discover the wonderful benefits of a water-rich diet in the process. But just like any year, 2020 has already seen an influx of drinking water trends.

Despite being firm believers that still, filtered water reigns supreme whatever the year’s water fads bring, we make it our mission to investigate every trend as they become apparent to give our customers the facts about what they should be drinking right now.

Trace minerals are the latest health fad that claims to reinvent how we all drink water. But should you add trace minerals to your water or enjoy your filtered water as it comes? Read on to discover what trace minerals are all about…

 What are trace minerals?

The trace minerals group includes names which will already be familiar. Iron, chromium, copper, zinc, iodine, manganese, and selenium are all classified as trace minerals, and each supports important functions within the body. These minerals are traditionally topped up through the food we eat.

A healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds should ensure that you get all the trace minerals you need to keep your body functioning as it should.

Trace minerals are now available as a clear, liquid supplement, which is being added to water with the promise of making the way we hydrate even healthier.

Why are trace mineral supplements popular?

The benefits of using a water filter are many. Filtered water is odour-free, affordable, convenient and great for the planet. The filtration process also removes the impurities that make drinking water less tasty. This water filtration method and the processes used to clean the water that comes from our taps make water safe.

However, they can also deplete the water of its mineral content, hence the reason why many people see the use of trace mineral supplements in water as a positive step forward.

Do I need to change how I hydrate?

In short – no, you should not start adding trace mineral supplements to your drinking water. As well as being an unnecessary expense, you don’t need to consume extra trace minerals to keep your body healthy as dietitian Whitney English explains:

“Trace minerals are needed in such a small amount and they’re already widespread in the diet,” she says. Take selenium—you only need 55 micrograms (that’s nearly a thousand times smaller than one milligram) a day, and you can get that amount easily by just having two eggs for breakfast and an ounce of canned tuna on your lunch salad. No gimmicky supplements required.”

Concentrating your efforts on improving your diet is a much better step to boosting mineral intake. Make your diet as varied and balanced as possible to ensure you have sufficient levels of all vitamins and minerals – not just trace minerals.

Should I add anything to my water?

For those looking to hydrate after a vigorous workout, adding certain minerals to your water bottle can have its benefits. The addition of electrolytes to your still, filtered water for example can facilitate fast rehydration, restore essential minerals, and allow muscles and the wider body to recover.

When choosing an electrolyte drink, be sure to go sugar-free. Better yet, create your own electrolyte drink at home using filtered water, unrefined salt, and other flavoursome fruits, herbs or spices.

People wishing to spice up their everyday hydration options should give our summer inspired infused water recipes a go!