Spring fresh

Vital to health, the value of water goes far beyond its thirst-quenching properties. Laura Burrows discovers the secrets of the Chiltern Hills.

When you're thirsty, nothing refreshes quite like a glass of chilled crystal clear mineral water. But the value of water goes far beyond its thirst-quenching properties. The quality and quantity of the water we drink is of vital importance if we are to look and feel our best. Unlike tap water, natural mineral waters have to come from a 'naturally protected source of constant composition' and must be 'free from all traces of pollution'. The theory is that the journey of the rain through the rocks helps to purify it by filtering out the organic material that bacteria need to live on and so making it naturally clean.

In practice, a lot depends on the specific source. Some mineral waters may only be a matter of weeks old when they are bottled because they come from shallow underground sources, while others contain water that fell many years ago. For the purest mineral-rich water, Chiltern Hills still and sparkling natural mineral waters are hard to beat. Having spent more than 50 years slowly filtering through layers of chalk, the water is drawn from the source 300 feet below unspoilt National Trust woodland amidst the rolling Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire.

The countryside here is uncultivated, and the water that filters through is low in nitrates, unlike other natural mineral waters which are sourced below land that has been farmed and therefore likely to contain higher levels of nitrates. The water is, however, rich in other minerals that have valuable functions in maintaining our health.

Minerals

Minerals are metals and other inorganic compounds that function much as vitamins do, promoting and regulating various bodily processes. As the body cannot store most minerals they need to be replaced daily.

Here's a guide to some of those you'll find in Chiltern Hills water and the role they play in maintaining health.

Calcium - Chiltern Hills water is particularly high in calcium and two litres will provide a quarter of your recommended daily amount. The principal mineral for healthy bones and teeth, calcium is particularly important for children, pregnant women and those at risk of osteoporosis. Calcium can also help lower blood pressure as well as aiding the blood to control its cholesterol levels.

Potassium - is an essential activator in a number of enzymes, particularly those concerned with energy production.

Magnesium - plays an important role in many body processes, including energy and cell renewal and is also responsible for the formation of strong, decay-resistant tooth enamel.

Iron - acts as an oxygen carrier in the red blood cells as well as holding oxygen in the muscles.

Sodium - is important for maintaining a normal balance of water between body cells and surrounding fluids. Sodium does need to be consumed with care, however, as excess can cause high blood pressure as well as water retention which can result in the dreaded cellulite and under-eye bags. Chiltern Hills water is exceptionally low in sodium - an average adult needs only 1600mg of sodium a day. Chiltern Hills water contains just 9mg per litre so is therefore suitable for low sodium diets.

Fluoride - like calcium is of critical importance to the formation, growth, repair and restoration of bones and teeth.

Quality

Bottled at source in its natural state, you can rest assured that every glass of Chiltern Hills water is of consistently high quality - it was the first English water to be recognised by the Natural Mineral Water regulations in 1985.Only the word 'Natural Mineral Water' on a label can guarantee that a water has not been processed before bottling. And Chiltern Hills water is subject to intense scrutiny by highly qualified scientists at the laboratory stationed at the bottling plant to ensure that the water complies with the strictest EEC regulations.

Benefits

Our modern dietary habits and stressful lifestyles can often result in mineral deficiencies and mineral water can be beneficial in helping to compensate for this. But just how much water should we be drinking for optimum well-being?

Depending upon individual factors such as body size, weather and activity level, most people should be drinking at least one to two litres of water a day. Drinking enough good quality drinking water every day will flush out the kidneys and help them to dispose of toxins in a natural way.

Water can boost your beauty too as your skin, hair and nails are basically made up of protein and water, so including plenty of fluids will help keep them healthy and looking their best.

It is very easy to be marginally dehydrated without realising it, although your skin is one of the first tissues to suffer from dehydration, the signs will show on your face in lines, wrinkles and under-eye bags. You might choose to treat yourself to expensive face creams that promise the earth, but in truth the easiest and most effective way to look after your skin is to make sure you drink plenty of water.

The water is drawn from its source 300 feet below unspoilt Natural Trust woodland amidst the rolling Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire

Simple ways to enjoy Chiltern Hills water:

1. When the heat is on, pour chilled sparkling Chiltern Hills over crushed ice (made by wrapping ice cubes in a clean towel, then striking firmly with the end of a rolling pin or hammer, or crush in a liquidiser) add a spiral of lime zest and a mint sprig.

2. For a zingy, warming drink, add boiling Chiltern Hills still water to rosehip infusion sachets, with a piece of cinnamon stick, a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. This is a great pick-me up and vitamin C boost.

3. To add interest to your cold drinks, make decorative mineral ice cubes by half filling your ice cube tray with Chiltern Hills still water and, when frozen, add mint leaves, rose petals, lemon rind or olives, then top up the trays and freeze completely before use.

4. Treat yourself to a cup of tea made with Chiltern Hills still water instead of tap water - it might seem indulgent but just taste the difference!

5. Mix two-thirds dry white wine with one-third sparkling Chiltern Hills water, add a splash or two of elderflower cordial to taste and serve in tall glasses with lots of crushed ice for a refreshing aperitif or party drink.

6. Chiltern Hills Natural Mineral Water is available in still and carbonated form in 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre, 1.5 litres, 2 litres, 5 litres and 330ml and 1 litre glass bottles.

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This article was first published on Waitrose.com in March 2000.